We Must

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

We know that the greatest love story ever told is that of Jesus giving His life so that we can be forgiven. As they crucified Him - from the Cross, He cried out, "Father, forgive them..." Luke 23:34 NLT

And lest you think He could do that because He somehow had special powers (even though the Bible is clear that He came to Earth fully human), in Acts 7:59-60 The Message, Stephen did the same thing as he was being stoned for speaking Truth. Read it, As the rocks rained down, Stephen prayed, “Master Jesus, take my life.” Then he knelt down, praying loud enough for everyone to hear, “Master, don’t blame them for this sin”—his last words. Then he died.

By now, we should fully realize that Christianity is not about becoming a better version of ourselves, it's about becoming like Christ. Apart from Christ, there is nothing of our own making that would want to forgive those who have wronged us, hurt us, told lies about us, betrayed us... Yet, in our relationship with Christ, we must... 

Forgiving is not a suggestion. It's not just one of several options we can choose. In Matthew 6:14-15 NLT, Jesus tells us plainly.  If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. We must forgive.

Prayer:

Father,

          We humble ourselves before You, asking You to help us break down the walls of unforgiveness in our lives. We choose THIS day to forgive those who have trespassed against us, just as You have forgiven us. We bless them and release them from any charges of wrongdoing. Help us, O God, to love as Jesus loves. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen