'Forgiveness', a word banded about a lot in Christan circles.

Are you troubled by the link Jesus referred to between God's forgiveness and our forgiveness of others (see Luke 4, Matt 12)?

Consider this...

• Forgiveness is not reconciliation.
  Reconciliation may not be practical.
  You may not enjoy each other's company.
  You maybe heading in different directions.
  So don't feel guilty if there is a parting of the ways.
• Forgiveness is a decision to let go of thoughts of revenge / to get even.
• Forgiveness needs a creative act.
  Must be approached as a challenge - "I can do this attitude".
• Forgiveness - many of us need to forgive God.
  Our lack of trust in the God 'who is for us not against us' results in us blaming God when things don't work out as we wanted.
  We 'need our minds renewed so we may prove what the good, perfect, acceptable will of God is' (see Rom 12).
  Jesus put it another way 'to see the Kingdom of God you need to be born again' (see John 3).