Two days ago I wrote about forgiveness, but this old teaching by Richard Baxter deserves to be heard on this topic, both eloquent and cutting. I have updated the English a little.

Richard Baxter (12 November 1615 – 8 December 1691)

Richard Baxter (12 November 1615 – 8 December 1691)

Remember first, That whoever has offended you, has offended God by greater injuries, and if God forgive them the greater, why should not you forgive the less? The same fault which they  did against you, is a greater crime as against God than against you. And many a hundred more have they committed. It is a small matter to displease such a worm as a human, in comparison of the displeasing of Almighty God; and should not God’s children imitate their heavenly Father? Does God remit the pains of hell, and cannot you hold back your passionate revenge? Let me ask you, whether you desire that God should forgive them their sins or not? (both that and all the rest which they have committed: ) if you say, no, you are devilish and inhuman, who would not have God forgive a sinner; if you say, yes, you condemn, yes, and contradict yourselves, while you say you would have God forgive them, and yet yourselves will not forgive them. (I speak not of necessary correction, but revenge.)

“Practical Works of Richard Baxter”