Now let’s take this concept and apply it to forgiveness. Matthew 6:14-15 says WE have to forgive or our heavenly Father will not forgive us our sins. However, John 15:4 says: “Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in Me.”

The part of the fruit that is being addressed in Matthew 6:14-15 is first the meat then the seed. As we live a life of forgiveness before the lost, they will see our life and glorify our heavenly Father. As they gain respect for our heavenly Father through our godly life, they will become receptive to the gospel seed. How will that happen?

“Remain in Me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine.”

Remaining is accomplished through faith. Faith to forgive is made up of these parts:

• Belief – Believing that Jesus has the ability to empower us to forgive.


• Dependence – Putting our complete dependence on His abilities rather than our own.


• Trust – Trusting in Jesus’ strength and skills to enable us to forgive.


• Reliance – Relying on Him for changing our heart and attitudes rather than trying to change them our self.