The importance of forgiveness cannot be understated. It is what we need to stand righteous before God. Forgiveness takes the blood of Jesus Christ to receive it. As Christians we must recognize that God’s forgiveness of us depends upon our forgiveness of others. We must also remember that God cannot do anything for us while we have a spirit of unforgiveness in our hearts. Matthew 5:23-24 shows us how important forgiveness to our health and well-being. This scripture also gives meaning to the fact that our prayers are useless if we have unforgiveness in our hearts.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. Matthew 5:23-24
Forgiveness is a decision we make when we refuse to live in the past. It is a conscious choice to release others from their sins against you so that you can be set free. Forgiveness does not deny that you were hurt and it cannot change the past, however it heals the bitterness that binds you to the wounds of yesterday. Forgiveness allows you to let go and let God. It allows us to move on. As a child of God you must forgive even when the other person has not done anything to earn forgiveness. Remember that forgiveness is a matter of the heart.
