Forgiveness is an awesome thing.  Jesus loves us enough to die in order for us to be truly forgiven.  His forgiveness means a clean slate, a life brand new like the sin has never been committed.  The example Jesus gives us in the illustration of the foot washing is easy to understand.  The moment we step down, our feet are dirty again.  It’s the same with human sin nature.  The moment we walk away from asking for forgiveness the world awaits with all its temptations. 

The gift of forgiveness is one of the most precious things God gives His people.  When we forgive others for the wrongs they have committed against us we allow them to experience a new beginning.  They may never know they wronged us or have been forgiven by us but the peace in our hearts is beyond understanding.  It becomes a clean spot in our own heart where growing anger and resentment once were.  That doesn’t mean the thoughts will be completely gone because healing takes time.  What it does mean is that healing can begin.

Matthew 18:21-22

 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!