Definition: But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Matthew 18:26 – “But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” Here's a simple explanation: Basically, it means that forgiveness is essential for God to be happy with you and for him to ultimately forgive your sins. Let’s unpack the parts: “But if ye do not forgive…” : This is the core of the verse. It’s saying that not forgiving is a big problem. It's like a blockage in a pipe – if you don’t clear it, things won’t flow properly. “…neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” : This is where it gets a little deeper. “Trespasses” means wrongs or offenses against someone else. Your Father (God) is watching over you and wants to be happy with you. His forgiveness is his priority. "Which is in heaven" refers to God himself. So, what does it mean practically? Forgiveness is a sign of love: It shows that you care about God and want to be reconciled to him. It’s a key to Heaven: God wants us to have a relationship with him, and forgiveness is the way to get there. Without forgiveness, we're separated from him. It impacts our relationship with others: When you don’t forgive someone who has wronged you, it can damage your relationships with them. In short, this verse emphasizes that forgiveness isn't just about being nice; it’s a crucial part of living a righteous life and receiving God’s blessings. --- Do you want me to: Explain another verse? Give you some examples of how forgiveness is important in our lives?