It’s awful when you realize you’ve wronged someone.  But when you go to them and apologize, asking for their forgiveness, and they refuse, it’s worse.  It’s actually quite awful.

The truth is that whether it is in our hearts, or in the hearts of another, if we do not forgive, the relationship is blocked.  It no longer can flow.  Yes, you can still somewhat relate.  But there’s no heart connection.  No significance to the relationship.

Relationships must have forgiveness if there is to be a relationship.

That’s why the cross matters.

Do you know what?  God did not have to forgive us.  He could have just let the justice side of who he is dominate the relationship.  But God is also love.

That’s why he sent Jesus.  Jesus paid the price, satisfying justice.  And his love was the one who came to pay that price, giving us the opportunity to be forgiven.

Opportunity is the key word here.

We don’t have to accept his forgiveness.  Because his forgiveness also comes with the need for repentance.  That we won’t keep doing the same thing over and over again.  That we make an effort to walk in holiness and righteousness, and if we stumble, that we will keep moving forwards (1 John 1:9).

The Scripture says people do not want to repent.  They love the deeds of darkness too much.

But without repentance, we do not find forgiveness.  And without forgiveness, we cannot have a relationship with God.

Yes, we can pray and do good things.  But the relationship is hindered by our sin.

God has made the way through Christ Jesus to be forgiven.

But will we receive that forgiveness?