We do not ask absolutely for the forgiveness of our sins, but we suggest a certain condition which is to be the limit and measure of the pardon granted us. This condition is our forgiveness of those who have offended us. We ask God not to forgive us, unless we forgive them, and to forgive us only to the same extent to which we forgive them. Can I honestly say that I only wish God to forgive me in the same proportion in which I forgive those who have done me an injury?

How can I tell whether I forgive others? God does not require of me that I should not feel hurt and pained at any unkindness shown me. This I cannot help. The saints, Our Lord Himself, felt unkindness most keenly. What I must avoid if I wish myself to be forgiven, is any indulgence of bitter, resentful feeling, anything that approaches hatred, anything like hostility towards others, anything that makes me regard the person offending as an enemy to be overcome, rather than as a friend to be won.

Nor again does God require that I should at once rid myself of the natural feeling of dislike with which some persons inspire me. I must fight against this feeling. I must try to supplant the natural dislike by a supernatural love. Our Lord asks: "If you love them that love you, what reward shall you have?" (St. Matt. v. 46). If I wish to please God, I must love my enemies, and do good to them that hate me, and show kindness to those whom naturally I dislike. Then I shall be a true child of my Father Who is in Heaven.