Forgiveness and Bitterness

Jesus in Matthew 6 teaches us to pray:  “Give us today our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ”  Then He says:  14 “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. 15 But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.

Jesus mentions the word “forgive” six times, it must be significant.  The opposite is to hold a bad feeling, and eventually get bitter.  Bitterness is subtle and hurts ourselves more than others.   Both an unwillingness to forgive and bitterness will hinder prayer.  That’s why the Lord mentioned it in Matthew 6 when talking about prayer.