The contrary to all this [bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, evil speaking, and malice] follows…'Forgiving one another.' Occasions of difference will happen among Christ's disciples; and therefore they must be placable [easily calmed; gentle and forgiving], and ready to forgive, therein resembling God himself, who for Christ's sake hath forgiven them, and that more than they can forgive one another. Note, With God there is forgiveness; and he forgives sin for the sake of Jesus Christ, and on account of that atonement which he has made to divine justice. Note again, Those who are forgiven of God should be of a forgiving spirit, and should forgive even as God forgives, sincerely and heartily, readily and cheerfully, universally and forever, upon the sinner's sincere repentance, as remembering that they pray, 'Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.' Now we may observe concerning all these particulars that the apostle has insisted on that they belong to the second table, whence Christians should learn the strict obligations they are under to the duties of the second table, and that he who does not conscientiously discharge them can never fear nor love God in truth and in sincerity, whatever he may pretend to. (Emphasis Added) – Matthew Henry |