In today’s first reading, God tells Moses that the Jewish people are to not bear hatred for others, even if at times a person does need correction. “Take no revenge and cherish no grudge…you shall love your neighbor as yourself.” “Be holy, for I, the Lord, your God, am holy.” The psalm expounds on the degree of God’s forgiveness to us, telling us that He pardons all our iniquities, as far as the East is from the West, so far has He put our transgressions from us.” God expects us to do likewise, as Jesus tells us in the Gospel. Forgive, turn the other cheek, love your enemies and pray for them. Be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Why does God, both in the Old Testament and again in the Gospel, tell us to forgive? As is always the case, the answer is because God knows what is best for us and wants us to be happy. We can’t be happy and at peace in our hearts when we hold on to anger and resentment. Holding a grudge against someone doesn’t hurt them, it only hurst us. Their life will go on regardless of whether we’re angry with them or not, so why make yourself miserable over something that has no impact on them? The Lord knows that we can’t be happy when we harbor hatred and resentment, thus the admonition to avoid doing it. We all know how difficult forgiveness can be; God does too. That’s why He told us to pray for our enemies. It takes time, but it’s hard to remain angry with someone when you are praying for them. If you find that hard to do, ask Jesus for help. He certainly knows about forgiving people who wronged Him, and His grace can help you if you just ask.