The Lord's Prayer (7)

Quintus Heine

Matthew 6:12 "As we also have forgiven our debtors."

For many, this petition of the Lord's Prayer is just one step too far. It asks too much. Because of our egos, it’s very difficult for us to forgive people. We know that God has forgiven our sins, but we are not always willing to forgive others. It is not always easy to accept that it is the Lord's will that we should forgive others as he forgives us. That’s what this prayer asks.

The Lord Jesus put this petition in his model prayer knowing that we cannot live completely freely or fully, or have an open prayer relationship with God, if we have not learned to forgive others. You might be reading this this morning and thinking about someone you cannot or will not forgive. Give that person over to the hands of the Lord today, forgive him/her completely. Bless them from now on with the love with which the Lord blesses you. If they were aware of your unwillingness to forgive them, you should tell them that you have forgiven them. Only then will you be free to live as a Christian. Unforgiveness can make you physically sick and can deny you a blessed relationship with God in prayer.

This means that we must not only forgive half-heartedly. True forgiveness is to pardon the other person completely. To forgive is to set someone free, and it will set yourself free too! It is to release the anger and bitterness completely and to wipe the page clean. It is to give others the opportunity to start from scratch – as Christ has given you the chance. This prayer teaches us to do it every day!

Lord help me to forgive those who have sinned against me unconditionally.

Prayer: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Save us from the time of trial and deliver us from evil. For the kingdom, the power, and the glory are yours now and for ever. Amen.