Matthew 6:15

15 But if you don't forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:15 Meaning and Commentary

Matthew 6:15

But if you forgive not men their trespasses
On the other hand, where men are not of a forgiving temper to their fellow creatures and fellow Christians, how can they expect forgiveness at the hands of God? or what sense of pardoning grace can there be upon their minds? Had they any right apprehensions of the grace and goodness of God, in the forgiveness of their sins, this would influence their minds, and engage their hearts to forgive such who have offended them: wherefore, where this is wanting, it may be concluded of, and said to such persons,

neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
It is a plain case, that your Father has not given you a true sense of the pardon of your sins, nor can you be certain that he will; nor have you any reason to expect it, when you are so cruel and revengeful to others. There is a considerable emphasis lies upon the word "men", to which "heavenly Father" is opposed, and the sense, according to it, is, that if men, who are upon an equal foot with each other, should not forgive one another, how should it be expected that our Father which is in heaven, who is so much above, and no ways obliged to us, should forgive us?

Matthew 6:15 In-Context

13 And do not cause us to be tempted, but save us from the Evil One.'

14 Yes, if you forgive others for their sins, your Father in heaven will also forgive you for your sins.

15 But if you don't forgive others, your Father in heaven will not forgive your sins.

16 "When you give up eating, don't put on a sad face like the hypocrites. They make their faces look sad to show people they are giving up eating. I tell you the truth, those hypocrites already have their full reward.

17 So when you give up eating, comb your hair and wash your face.