In the Lord's Prayer, we ask God to "forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us." However, in the Bible, in Matthew 18:22, Jesus tells us that we should forgive our neighbor not seven times, but seventy times seven. This is a teaching that many of us Christians still need to apply in our lives. And Father Eustáquio, in one of his writings, offers this reflection: forgiveness as a Christian principle.

“"God rewards our generosity in forgiving."”

May reading this text help us to forgive our neighbor, as God has forgiven us.

“"First forgive your brother, and then come to the altar to offer your sacrifice."‘Our Father, who art in heaven, forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. Here is the prayer, spoken by the very mouth of Our Lord. Forgive, forget, settle what we owe you, as we forgive those who owe us. In this way, God is not satisfied with outward things alone; He sees into the depths of the heart. We cannot please God and at the same time displease our neighbor.

Cain hated his brother Abel. Nevertheless, he was going to offer a sacrifice to God, but God showed him that the sacrifice was not pleasing to Him. The smoke did not rise to Heaven, it returned to the earth. And when he came to kill his brother, nothing could quench God's wrath. "O blood of your brother, cry out for vengeance to Heaven.".

David had exposed Bathsheba's husband to death in battle. God punished him and sent word, through the prophet, that David's son would die.
Saint John L'Aumonier was celebrating Mass in the presence of a prince who harbored great hatred for his enemy. When the time came for the Lord's Prayer, which the prince was also praying, he turned and said: “Look what you are saying, my prince. Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. How can God forgive you if you do not forgive your enemy?” The prince, completely confused, forgave his enemy.

God rewards our generosity in forgiving. John Gualbert was born in Florence, Italy. His father harbored great hatred for a man who had killed his nephew, and this same hatred instilled in the heart of Saint John Gualbert. One day, he found himself armed against an unarmed enemy on a narrow path. Seeing his enemy, his adversary armed and expecting revenge, he fell to his knees, begging forgiveness. Saint John embraced him and forgave him. Later, passing by a church, Saint John entered and, while praying, saw Jesus on the crucifix lean towards him, showing his great satisfaction and congratulating him on his generosity. He entered a monastery and became a great saint. Generosity was the beginning of this man's salvation. Let us not harbor hatred for anyone. Let us forgive wholeheartedly, as Our Lord forgives us through the remission of our sins.