There are several good reasons to pursue reconciliation. God commands it. He has reconciled us to Himself and now calls us to be reconciled to each other. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. God tells us that we have not appreciated the debt God has forgiven us . . . if we are not willing to extend forgiveness to others.
Fractured relationships result in miserable lives.
It is impossible to enjoy life fully if you are living at odds with someone else. All that time nursing grudges, and tending the fires of resentment and bitterness takes valuable time away from the joy of life. Many people find that their misery lifts as soon as they do what God has called them to do . . . to be reconciled. There are few acts as loving as freeing someone from their past. I tried thinking of a great illustration of this principle and then realized that You and I are a great illustration of this truth.