Reflection on Mt 6:14

For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

This is the only Jesus’ comment on the Our Father, where we pray: “Father,… forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” To be forgiven by God, I have to forgive far lesser trespasses that my neighbours have committed against me. A person who is aware of his guilt before God as well as of the punishment for his guilt takes God’s demand for granted. Jesus then adds: “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” So it is perfectly clear.

There are people who say: “I can’t get rid of the feeling of guilt. I just can’t believe that God has really forgiven me. I’ve confessed my sins, but the feeling of guilt persists.” The reason why the soul is restless and unsure of forgiveness is that a person does not forgive others their minor trespasses and is left with a feeling of bitterness. Some people say: “I forgive, but I don’t forget.” Some women are particularly prone to think this way. It actually means that they do not forgive at all, but rather remain bitter and resentful. Why is that so? Because they are self-centred, guided by their pride and emotions. They lack true biblical faith that looks to God, and refuse to admit the frightful reality that living in a state of unforgiveness leads them to hell. This false faith practically sets aside genuine repentance and genuine self-criticism. However, Jesus says that we should not only forgive our debtors, but we should be the first to go and ask their forgiveness: “Go first and be reconciled with your brother.” If your brother refuses to be reconciled, God does see your clear gesture of forgiveness, even your self-humiliation, and this is precious in His sight. You thus redeem a good part of your purgatory in this life.

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