Reference

Matt. 6:12, 14-15; 18:25; Isa. 14:12-14; 2 Cor. 2:11; Eph. 4:32; Joel 2:25

Ever see the link between the statement in the Lord's Prayer around forgiveness and and temptation. I don't believe there is any coincidence to the fact these two statements "forgive us our trespasses" and "deliver us from the evil one" are back to back. It shouldn't surprise us as we see this same continuity all through scripture. 

So what if Jesus' stern warning to forgive is directly related to His concern that if we fail to forgive, we give the Accuser full liberty to play games in our lives and hearts? What if then?

The need to forgive is not just concerning the "big things" in our lives and memories that we need healing for, it also includes the seemingly "small" things that have the power to drive a wedge between us, and rob us of our capacity to love one another well.

So many marriages begin so well, so full of passion and love but over time, and often at around the 7-10 year mark people walk away, largely due to unresolved hurt. The same trend often happens in church families as it is way easier to walk away from one another then it is to face one another and forgive from our hearts.