Biblical Answer

The Value of Forgiveness in Daily Routines

Forgiveness is a crucial aspect of our daily routines, especially when we've been hurt. It's an act of self-defense that stops the fatal bleeding of resentment. When we hold onto resentment, it can lead to anxiety, depression, and other mental health issues. Forgiveness, on the other hand, brings peace and healing to our lives. It's not a one-time event, but a process that requires practice and patience. As we forgive, we're not only releasing the other person from our anger, but also ourselves from the burden of resentment.

The Connection between Forgiveness and Being Forgiven

The Bible teaches us that forgiveness is closely linked to being forgiven. In Matthew 6:12, Jesus teaches us to pray for forgiveness, but also to forgive others. This connection is graphically expounded in the Bible, where we're taught that forgiveness is a two-way street. When we forgive others, we're also forgiven by God. This is not to say that forgiveness is a prior condition of being forgiven, but rather that forgiveness is a process that requires us to continually relinquish our bitterness. As we forgive, we're not only healing our relationships with others, but also our relationship with God.

The Cost of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not a simple or easy process. It cost the agony at Calvary, where Jesus suffered and died for our sins. We should never take the forgiveness of sin, the gift of the Holy Spirit, and our salvation for granted. When we forgive others, we're reminded of the enormous cost that was paid for our forgiveness. This should motivate us to forgive others, not just because it's good for us, but because it's a reflection of God's love and forgiveness towards us. By practicing forgiveness in our daily routines, we're not only healing our relationships with others, but also deepening our relationship with God.