Matthew 6:14

If ye forgive men.

Mutual forgiveness

I. All mankind as transgressors are deeply indebted to God’s law.

II. That if ever man be saved it must be by an act of pure mercy.

III. That the Scriptural character of the Almighty encourages us to confide in him for forgiveness.

1. Because the love of God has laid such a foundation for its exercise.

2. It is seen in the earnestness of His invitations.

3. In the promises of His word.

4. In the persons whom He has saved;

(1) their number;

(2) their character.

IV. That however free the mercy of God is to man, A merciful disposition towards our fellow-creatures is necessary to its enjoyment.

1. It cannot, according to the general tenour of Scripture, condemn self-defence by lawful means.

2. There is a connection between forgiving and being forgiven.

3. Reason establishes this connection. (J. E. Good.)

Those who do not forgive others should never sin themselves

The Rev. J. Wesley, in the course of his voyage to America, hearing an unusual noise in the cabin of General Oglethorpe, the Governor of Georgia, with whom he sailed, stepped in to inquire the cause of it. The General addressed him: “Mr. Wesley, you must excuse me; I have met with a provocation too great for man to bear. You know, the only wine I drink is Cyprus wine; I therefore provided myself with several dozens of it, and this villain, Grimaldi” (his foreign valet, who was present, and almost dead with fear) “has drunk up the whole of it: but I will be revenged on him. I have ordered him to be tied hand and foot, and be carried to the man-of-war which sails with us. The rascal should have taken care how he used me so, for I never forgive.” “Then I hope, sir,” said Wesley, looking calmly at him, “you never sin.” The General was quite confounded at the reproof; and putting his hand into his pocket, took out a bunch of keys, which he threw at Grimaldi. “There, villain,” said he, “take my keys and behave better for the future.”