Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 6:14

"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." — Matthew 6:14 (ASV)

If you forgive—if you pardon.

Trespasses. Offences, faults. If you forgive others when they offend or injure you, this is constantly required in the Bible. Our Saviour says we should forgive even if the offence be committed seventy times seven times (Matthew 18:22).

By this is meant that when a person asks for forgiveness, we are cordially and forever to pardon the offence; we are to declare our willingness to forgive him. If he does not ask for forgiveness, yet we are still to treat him kindly; not to harbour malice; not to speak ill of him; to be ready to do him good; and to be always prepared to declare him forgiven when he asks for it.