One of the things I like best about Jesus is that He forgives my sins. I like His unconditional love. He keeps loving me and forgiving me. I like His unconditional forgiveness, too, don't you? But is His forgiveness really unconditional? When we read the Bible carefully, we discover that God does place a condition on His forgiveness. Does that surprise you? Today's passage tells us more about that condition, so let's listen to it:

If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done. (Matt. 6:14-15)

I find Jesus’ words surprising. Let's listen to Him again: "If you forgive others the wrongs they have done to you, your Father in heaven will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive the wrongs you have done." Wait...what? I thought God was always willing to forgive us, but Jesus clearly tells us in today's passage, that our Heavenly Father draws a line. He forgives us every one of our sins...unless. Unless we refuse to forgive others. When you and I choose to forgive, for Jesus' sake, all those who have wronged us, God likes it. Forgiving others demonstrates that we are willing to trust God to take care of any wrongs we have suffered. It may be one of the hardest things that we are called to do, but if we are really going to call ourselves Christians, we must face this difficult truth. Forgiveness is something that truly matters to God. Today, take some time under the searchlight of the Holy Spirit to consider whether there is someone you’ve been unwilling to forgive and then forgive them. When you do, your Heavenly Father will forgive you, too...and that is very Good News!