Forgive from your heart.

Matthew 18:34-35, "And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. So shall My heavenly Father also do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart."

Peter's question about forgiveness brings us this parable to remind us all that He has forgiven us a debt we could never pay. And in so doing, He wants us to recognize the heavy price of unforgiveness, which can become an acid that eats us from the inside out! Somehow we try to classify those who deserve our forgiveness and those who do not; He wants us to forgive. It's useful to see that our dictionary tells us that we "give up resentment," we give up any claims against that person, we cease to "feel resentment against an offender." And we also find a most interesting definition regarding forgiving tennis racquets, "allowing room for error or weakness." Truly, we all have given offense to the One who has forgiven us all through His perfect sacrifice on the cross.

Only by Your power and strength can we recognize the power of Your words from the cross, "Father, forgiven them, for they know not what they do." Empower us to forgive with Your heart!