Sometimes a particular piece of scripture makes me uncomfortable.
Like in Matthew 6.14-15 where Jesus says, “If you forgive others, then God will forgive you, but if you don’t forgive others then God won’t forgive you.” I could not reconcile this verse with the other one in 1 John 1.9 that says, “If we confess our sins then God is faithful to forgive all your sins.” One passage seems to be very conditional, God may or may not forgive my sins, the “forgiveness” depends on me. The other passage promises that God will forgive all my sins.
After years of holding these two scriptures in “tension” the Spirit gave me a new perspective and insight. (NOTE: this is one role of the Holy Spirit, to teach and guide me)
God’s forgiveness is ALWAYS available to me. Yes, I need to repent and confess my sin, those actions are required of me. However the extent to which I receive God’s forgiveness is dependent upon me.
If I can or only allow myself to give small portions of forgiveness to my family, co-workers, friends, then that is all the forgiveness I can receive and experience from God the Father.
On the other hand, the more forgiveness I am able to receive from God – meaning I am able to receive his tender love and grace and forgiveness for myself and not beat myself up – the more grace and forgiveness I am compelled (able, willing and wanting) to give to others.
It is a cycle. The more grace, love and forgiveness I receive the more grace, love and forgiveness I am able to give; thereby increasing my own ability to receive even more grace, love and forgiveness from God the Father.
