YOU DON'T HAVE TO FORGIVE!

If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly father will forgive you.  But, if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. - Matthew 6:14-15.

     There are some times when you can justify unforgiveness (is that even a word?)  Really, if have a parent who's done some things to you that a parent just should not do, forgiveness really isn't an option.  Think about it - if a friend stabs you in the back it's only natural to stab right back, or at least treat that person the way they deserve.  What about a spouse who is always on you and never has a kind word?  You have the right to be cold and uncaring in that situation.  And don't tell me it doesn't feel right when someone who has wronged you get's a little payback!
     NO!  THAT IS THE WISDOM THIS WORLD WILL OFFER!  THAT IS THE WISDOM I TOO OFTEN FALL INTO!  THAT IS THE WISDOM THAT LEADS TO ALL THE NEGATIVE THINGS IN THIS WORLD!  God said that we need to forgive because that is what's best for everyone - ourselves, others, this world, the Kingdom!  
    I know it seems ok to treat others poorly who have treated you poorly.  I know it seems ok to justify your negative thoughts because of past or present behaviors.  I do it too.  But that does not make it right and it does not make it good!
     What if we did have a world that forgave?  There's something you don't hear often at the water cooler - yeah the boss messed up, but we all do.  You won't hear this in the kindergarten pick-up line, "Yeah my husband just sat around all day while I took the kids everywhere, but it's ok."  You don't hear too many middle-schoolers saying things like, "That dude just called me a __________________, but I know it's not true and there must be some reason he's like that."
     You don't have to forgive, but the world will end up a worse place for it.  Unforgiveness is not a word - and that's for a reason!