You asked

what does forgiveness actually require?

The passage, plainly, with room to sit with it.

Matthew 6:14-15

“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you don’t forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

This passage is part of Jesus' Sermon on the Mount, immediately following the Lord's Prayer. It emphasizes a key aspect of discipleship regarding relationships and reconciliation.

What does it mean to connect our own need for forgiveness with our willingness to forgive others?

Keep thinking

Behind the textwhat Jewish teachings about forgiveness might jesus have been building upon here?
Across the Biblehow do other biblical authors, like paul, describe the process or cost of forgiveness?
For todaywhat practical steps can someone take to offer forgiveness when it feels impossible?

Read alongside it

Luke 17:3-4
Jesus tells his disciples to forgive someone who wrongs them, even if they do so repeatedly.
Colossians 3:13
Paul encourages believers to bear with one another and forgive as the Lord forgave them.

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