The intensional concept of forgiveness can be found in both the Old and the New Testament. The Word says we should not rejoice when our enemy falls, lest we displease the Lord (Proverbs 24:17). The first commandment is to love the Lord with all our heart and the second is just like it: to love our neighbour as we love ourselves (Matthew 22:37-38). When became a new creation in Christ Jesus, all our sins and iniquities were forgiven. Christ forgave us freely, regardless of the severity of our offences. Then, He placed His very own Spirit within us, and literally took possession of our inner-man nature. That’s why throughout the New Testament there is an emphasis on renewing our minds to conform to that new nature, which is the nature of Christ (Romans 12:2). Being rude or inconsiderate of others, and being critical or holding a grudge is part of our old nature that should be crucified with Christ daily. Since Jesus forgave us freely, we need to forgive those who wrong us, and not treat them with contempt. Freely we have received, freely we are expected to forgive. Wisdom says it is the glory of a man to overlook an offence. Perhaps even more sobering is the warning that if we don’t forgive others, neither will our Heavenly Father forgive us. Of course to live a life of kindness, goodness and love to the standard Christ holds us to is humanly impossible without the transforming work of the Holy Spirit in us. The more time we spend in His Word, yielding to His Presence, the more open our hearts become to receive His love and supernatural power to live just like Jesus. Determine to open your heart to His transforming power today and His peace and love will guard your heart and mind from all bitterness.