Definition: For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this incredibly important verse from the Bible: “Matthew 6:14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” Here’s a simple explanation: What it means in plain language: This verse is about loving and letting go of others' mistakes. It’s saying that when we show forgiveness to people who are hurting us, it's a sign that God loves us too. Let’s unpack the parts: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses…” – This means "If you let go of the anger and resentment you feel towards others." It’s about forgiving someone who has wronged you, even if it's hard. “…your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” – This is the crucial part. It says that God also loves us, and He wants to forgive us for our mistakes too. The bigger picture: Jesus is teaching us a powerful principle: God doesn’t just love those who are good; He loves everyone, even those who disappoint or hurt us. This verse highlights the importance of grace – God's unearned kindness and mercy. Why it’s important: It’s about our relationship with God: It shows that God is forgiving us as well. It’s about moving past anger: It encourages us to not hold onto resentment, which can be harmful to ourselves and others. It’s a key part of Christian teachings: It's often cited as an example of the love and grace that God offers humanity. In short, this verse is a message about extending forgiveness – both to others and to ourselves – because it demonstrates God’s unwavering love for us. --- Would you like me to explain any part of this verse in more detail? For example, we could: Discuss the context of the verse in Matthew 6. Explore what "forgiveness" means in a broader sense (beyond just letting go of anger).