A Cup of Forgiveness // Matthew 6:14

Matthew 6:14 (NIV) | For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Today’s verse can be difficult to take in, can’t it? I don’t like to think of God’s forgiveness being condition. Know what I mean? Yet, the Scriptures are full instances where we read that our ability to experience God’s forgiveness is contingent on our ability to extend forgiveness. Please do not misunderstand that this means your forgiveness is more important than God’s…nope, not in the slightest. One way that helps me comprehend the meaning of this teaching is to view our life like a cup. God wants to pour out His forgiving, merciful love into your life. If your life is full of bitterness, resentment, unforgiveness, etc., there either isn’t any room for God’s forgiveness to fill you, and that which is gets diluted. Jesus wants us to empty ourselves of the things of the flesh so the grace of Spirit can fill us to overflowing. If you are allowing unforgiveness, bitterness, etc., to fill your life today, pour it out and empty yourself of such toxicity. Allow the reality of forgiveness to unburden your life of the exhausting struggle of toting things that only weigh you down. Then, know that God will pour out His forgiving love into you and your life vessel will overflow flooding mercy into the lives of others.