Forgiveness

The Jewish leaders considered themselves as holy. They considered themselves better than other Jews. They became self-righteous.

They had gotten to the point where they did not think they had to forgive others if their honor had been attacked. “If the disciple of a wise man be despised or reviled publicly, it is unlawful for him to forgive any affront to his honor; and if he forgive, he is to be punished, for this is a contempt of the law. He is on the contrary to avenge and keep the thing in mind, like a serpent, until the offender entreat to be forgiven” (Practical Lessons from the Experience of Israel. F.C. Gilbert, 1902, p.68).

In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus stated, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” According to Jesus, forgiveness is important. A person should never have the attitude that forgiveness is a weakness or a sin. Forgiveness is more important than personal honor.

Study your Bible. Learn all that Jesus has to teach. Obey Jesus. If any of this is hard to understand, ask an adult to help you.