The very center of Paul’s appeal for forgiveness is the reflection of Christ’s call for us all to forgive. While he could appeal to his authority over us and say, “I am God and I command you to forgive!” the Lord doesn't do that. He appeals to our relationship with him, his love and compassion for us, and tells us to emulate that forgiving relationship into the lives of others.

If you were the one who had been wronged and now true reconciliation was possible how would you respond? What would it look like if you held all the cards and the one who hurt you had his future or his very life in your hands?