Jesus is talking about a chosen privilege. “If you forgive men”—that is, if you choose to do it. You can choose not to. “A man’s wisdom gives him patience; it is to his glory to overlook an offense” (Prov. 19:11). Can you think of many other things that can bring glory? Having your funeral conducted at Westminster Abbey? Being knighted? Winning a gold medal in the Olympics? Winning the Nobel Peace Prize? That may be glory, but Proverbs 19:11 says, “It is to a man’s glory to overlook an offense.” That is far more spectacular in God’s eyes than winning any Olympic competition. It is glory to
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