As a young Christian, there were times that I had to go to people and apologize and ask them to forgive me for things I had either said or done that had hurt or offended them earlier in my life.
Forgiveness and atonement are possible only because of the work of Christ. However, we cannot separate God's forgiveness of our sins from our willingness to forgive others of their sins against us (Mt. 6:14-15), and our willingness to seek reconciliation with others (Mt. 5:24).
There are various benefits to the offender, and to the one offended, when the believing one humbles himself and seeks to restore a broken relationship. Conversely, there are various harmful results brought about when the believing one, cavalierly and mistakenly, ignores the brokenness that he had caused another person.
It is not easy to admit our failure and our offenses, but it is liberating and redemptive. It could be that wonderful relationships are lost because a believer has been too proud or too shallow or too callous to humble himself and seek reconciliation with someone he has offended.
Matthew 6:14-15
14 For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
15 But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Matthew 5:24
24 Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.
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