This line in the Lord’s prayer highlights the necessity to forgive. Forgiveness is, perhaps, the most potent weapon in resolving conflicts. Individuals and societies can use this powerful missile of love to bring peace into this world. Contrary to what most people believe, forgiveness is not a sign of weakness. It is the ultimate symbol of strength. Only those who are emotionally secure can forgive. No wonder, Mahatma Gandhi believed that forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

Internationally renowned physician and cardiologist, Herbert Benson, says, "There's something called the physiology of forgiveness. Being unable to forgive other people's faults is harmful to one's health." Many studies in medicine and clinical psychology are now linking the inability/unwillingness to forgive with health hazards such as increased blood pressure, cardiovascular disease, and immune suppression. When we forgive, we are healed and are rid of the canker of resentment which eats into us and destroys our emotional and physical well being.

Forgiveness is easy when we erase from our memory that incident or words which caused the hurt. Recalling that often only perpetuates the bitter memory which when deeply embedded is difficult to remove. Hence, special efforts need to be taken to erase the picture first and to stop reverting to it.

Moreover, if we wish our sins to be forgiven we need to forgive others.. Unless we forgive, we can never expect to be forgiven. Instead we may have to face dire consequences like the unforgiving servant we read about in Mat.18.

Forgiving is a spiritual discipline. Of course, it is a struggle but it must become a habit and an attitude. Only then it becomes a spontaneous act. Any good habit must be cultivated .Hence, one must practise the act of forgiving until it becomes a habit.

A translation of the word, forgiveness, is to “let go.” Jesus forgives our sins; Jesus lets go of our sins. The only way to become free in life is to let go… to let go of the way others have hurt us , let go of the pain of our t marriage, to let go of all the mistakes we have made. The only way to freedom is to let go of all the hatred and anger about wrongs others have done to us. From the cross, God lets go of our sins. Therefore, let us also let go of all the hurts and become free. A monkey inserted his hand into a bottle of sweets. When he wanted to pull his hand out, he could not do so with his closed fist full of sweets. He had to open his fist and let go of all his sweets before he pulled his hand out. We need to let go of all our resentment in order to lead a free life. Hence, let us learn to forgive others before we seek God’s forgiveness.

Dr. (Mrs.) Edriana Jeyasingh