Someone may have somewhat against you-an old quarrel, or a fresh misunderstanding-and you are too proud to acknowledge your fault, or your share in it; or you are too timid, or even too idle to do so. When there are faults on both sides, it is pretty often the one most in fault who is the least ready to forgive. Now do look into the matter, and see if you are truly in love and charity with all men. It is no use trying to explain away the words, "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive them that trespass against us," for Christ Himself has explained and emphasized them. He said, "But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." There is no evading this. There is absolutely no forgiveness for you if you do not forgive; for who can forgive sins but God only? And it is no use saying, "Well I will forgive but I can't forget!" You know quite well in your heart that the very tone in which you say that, shows that you are not really forgiving, and God knows what is at the bottom of your "can't forget!" Don't turn round fiercely, and say, "But if I can't, I can't!" For the things which are impossible with men, are possible with God.
Our Father, forgive us for we have transgressed,
Have wounded Thy love, and forsaken Thy breast;
In the peace of Thy pardon henceforth let us live.
That through Thy forgiveness we too may forgive.
The Son of Thy love, who hath taught us to pray,
For Thy treasures of mercy hath opened the way,
And Thine is the power.