Is forgiveness always necessary?
Matthew 6:12 (NKJV) "And forgive us our debts,
As we forgive our debtors."
Mark 11:25-26 (NKJV) “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.”
Matt: 5:43,44 (NKJV) “Love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use and persecute you.”
"There are many things that are not now seen in a true light, which in the day of the Lord will be made plain. But the question of forgiveness needs no interpretation. There is never a time or place where it is right for you or for me to say, “I will not forgive my brother; I will not walk in fellowship with him.” He who does this places himself in opposition to the teachings of Christ." {SW January 1, 1903, par. 4}
[When God's] "people come to him in prayer, asking favors of him, while at the same time they are cherishing hatred against their brethren, not only thinking, but speaking evil of them. God can not bless them; for they refuse to put out of the way that which causes discord and variance. They would not appreciate the blessing of God, should he give it to them as they desire." {SW January 1, 1903, par. 7}
“All our prayers will be in vain while we cherish feelings of envy, jealousy, suspicion, and enmity. We shall be forgiven only as we forgive. It is no better than mocking God to engage in religious worship with hearts thinking evil, and full of bitterness toward our brethren or our fellow-men.” {RH November 6, 1883 par. 9}
“One great reason why our brethren and sisters have no more confidence toward God in prayer, is, that nearly all neglect to follow the words of Jesus in preserving harmony between brethren. They allow various wrongs to exist with members of the church, which create bitter envy and strife; and while these differences exist, God neither hears nor answers their prayers….” RH April 15, 1880