"Forgiveness of sins for forgiveness of offences" (Saint Ephraim the Syrian)

Forgiveness of sins for forgiveness of offences

hus does the Lord speak to every soul: forgive your brother his transgressions, and I will forgive you your sins. You shall forgive minor errors, debts of perhaps a few coins or some three pence, and I will grant you thousands of talents. For you have only to forgive, without presenting any gift, but I will forgive you your sins and grant you healing and the heavenly kingdom.

And I will accept your gift when you make peace with him who is at enmity with you. When you have no malice, when the setting sun does not find you angry, when you meet all with peace and love — then will your prayer be acceptable and your offering pleasing, and your house will be blessed and you also shall find blessing.

But if you do not make peace with your brother, then how will you ask Me for forgiveness? I am your Master; I command you and you do not heed Me. You are a servant; how dare you bring Me a prayer, or a sacrifice, or first fruits of your harvest, if you bear malice toward anyone? If you turn your face from your brother, so shall I turn Mine eyes from your prayer and from your gift.

From A Spiritual Psalter or Reflections on God, compiled from the works of Saint Ephraim the Syrian