Forgiveness has a vertical and a horizontal dimension

Mark 11:25 is talking about forgiveness as a heart attitude before God.

When I consider someone's sin as I stand before the Lord, I am called to have an attitude of forgiveness toward the person who sinned against me. This is non-negotiable.

Any fool can criticize, condemn and complain and most fools do. But it takes character and self-control to be understanding and forgiving.

As Dr Johnson said, "God himself, sir, does not propose to judge a man until the end of his days." Why should you and I?

Instead of condemning people, let's try to understand them. Let's try to figure out why they do what they do. That's a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance and kindness. 'To know all is to forgive all.

So when you and I are tempted to criticize someone tomorrow, let's remember Al Capone, "Two Gun" Crowley and Albert Fall. Let's realize that criticisms are like homing pigeons. They always return home. Let's realize that the person we are going to correct and condemn will probably justify himself or herself, and condemn us in return; or, like the gentle Taft, will say: "I don't see how I could have done any differently from what I have.

One of his favourite quotations was 'Judge not, that ye be not judged.

Instead of condemning people, let's try to understand them. Let's try to figure out why they do what they do. That's a lot more profitable and intriguing than criticism; and it breeds sympathy, tolerance, and kindness. "To know all is to forgive all." As Dr. Johnson said: "God himself, sir, does not propose to judge man until the end of his days." Why should you and I?

We forgive someone of a wrong they have done us when we decide that we will not make them suffer for it in any way.

It can be hard to forgive and let go but it's important to remember that harboring the resentment and holding a grudge can hurt you even more. The word "forgive" really means to give something up for yourself not for them.

Let go of offence. Let go of fear. Let go of revenge. Don't live angry, let go now!