There is probably no more beautiful word in the English language than “forgiven.” When we remember all the times that we have failed, surely we realize that it is a wonderful blessing to know that God has forgiven us. We understand that when we obey the gospel of Christ, we receive the forgiveness of sin through the precious blood Christ shed for us. “Forasmuch as ye know that ye were not redeemed with corruptible things, as silver and gold, from your vain conversation received by tradition from your fathers; But with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot” (1 Peter 1:19).

Saved by the grace of God, forgiveness of our sins does not come as payment for our obedience. Our obedience is but the proper response to His love. “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast” (Ephesians 2:8-9).

God gives us His forgiveness. How do we respond to His love in relation to others? In The Vision of Matthew, John P. Meier asserts, “A Christian cannot win God’s forgiveness, but he can lose it by refusing to extend it to a brother.” Do we forgive as the kind Master, or do we withhold forgiveness as the unmerciful servant?

“Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses” (Matthew 18:32-35). “If a man say, I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen?” (1 John 4:20).