It’s there — right in the middle of the Lord’s prayer — the phrase that gets me thinking every time.

“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

Do I want the forgiveness I ask of God to mirror the forgiveness I extend? Not always.

Sometimes when I pray, in the corridor of my mind I see a photo of someone I’ve yet to forgive. It’s at those times that I challenge myself to forgive as quickly as I want God to forgive me.

I don’t believe that forgiving means that you will automatically forget. God may not wipe away the memory of every hurt, but I believe His grace so covers the offenses that they no longer cause pain.

My daughter, Elise, has two scars from surgeries performed when she had lymphoma.

Years ago, I used to rub cocoa butter on those scars and tell her, “These scars may never disappear completely, but they will not always be painful. They will remind you of the kindness, compassion and support of your doctors, nurses, family and friends. But more importantly, they will serve as a sign of the healing power of God. And even if these scars fade, His faithfulness never will.”

Forgiving someone doesn’t excuse their actions, and I believe that it’s sometimes necessary to part paths for a season.

When we ask God for forgiveness, we are instantly restored to Him.

But in dealing with human relationships, sometimes restoration takes a little time.

When I forgive someone, I let go of any anger, bitterness or resentment I felt over what they have done to me, and I move on.

Forgiveness is a decision, and it’s always the right one.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.