In Matthew 6:12, 14-15 and in Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus gave two teachings about forgiving others. It is clear from reading these passages that we as believers are expected and even commanded to forgive others of their offenses against us, just as we have ourselves have been forgiven our sins by our God and Father.
In considering these two passages, we should understand that forgiving others is not a work that we must do in order to obtain God’s forgiveness for ourselves, rather it is evidence that we ourselves have already obtained God’s forgiveness. We as genuine believers are those who have been forgiven our sins through the blood of God’s Son, Jesus Christ. Regardless of our struggles or shortcomings, we will not be condemned.
Rather, God’s word assures us that we have already crossed over from death to eternal life (John 5:24).
We show mercy when we extend forgiveness to those who have sinned against us. Love manifesting itself through mercy is evidence that we have crossed over from death to eternal life; it is evidence that we are among those who have received God’s mercy. Love shows mercy, and mercy forgives. (Consider Matthew 5:7, Galatians 5:22-23, 1 John 4:7-8).
However, this is not to say that our forgiveness of others always comes about quickly or easily. There may be a protracted and difficult struggle with forgiving others, but we know from the Scriptures that our God will not give us any command without giving us the power to obey it; He will work in our lives to bring about our forgiveness of those who have sinned against us.