And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. (Matthew 6:12 NIV)
The entire message of the Gospel is based on God’s love and forgiveness for humanity, as revealed through His Son, Jesus Christ. Therefore, it may seem a little strange that Chapter 6 of “Our Father: A Personal Journey of Discovery into the Lord’s Prayer,” which is based on this petition in the Lord’s Prayer, is the shortest of the seven chapters.
In addressing this topic in Scripture, Almighty God didn’t mince words. His message is clear about the importance of our willingness to forgive others.
Matthew 6:14-15 says, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
God’s forgiveness of my sins has set the foundation for everything in my life. God sent His Son, Jesus, to die on Calvary’s Cross, so that I could be forgiven. Because of Jesus’ death and resurrection, ALL who receive Him can be forgiven for their sins and have eternal life.
Did you notice what verse 15 says?
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” I didn’t ‘get’ that right away, but that’s a serious message…one that we need to take to heart. Our willingness to forgive others, affects God’s forgiveness being extended toward us.
As we consider the importance of forgiving others, let’s also remember that sometimes things happen in our lives that are traumatic and devastating. There’s not always someone ‘at fault’ for those things, but sometimes there is. God knows and understands that. I believe He is pleased and honored when we are willing to forgive others, especially those who we feel have caused the greatest wounds in our hearts and lives.
If we are willing to forgive others for their trespasses against us, we can go to our heavenly Father in prayer and ask for His help. He is able to work in a willing heart to accomplish that which would be impossible in our humanness. It’s astonishing to me how God is able to work in my heart when I am willing to pray for those who have offended me in some way.
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35) we are told about a servant who was unwilling to forgive a debt that was owed to him. (Even though his master had forgiven his debt) As a result, his master delivered him to the torturers.
When we are unwilling to forgive someone who has wronged us, or that we ‘perceive’ has wronged us, we are likely to be tormented by anger, resentment, and bitterness. The enemy of our souls, Satan, is able to steal our peace, and to damage our relationship with our heavenly Father.
God’s ultimate plan for all of His children is peace, healing, wellbeing, restoration and wholeness. Living in unforgiveness creates a barrier to those things happening in our lives.
The Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15:11-32), gives us an example of how God is willing to forgive us when we return to Him. Just as He offers forgiveness to us freely, He asks that we offer forgiveness to others freely as well.
Romans 12:17-21 instructs us about how we should approach situations where we come face to face with those who have wronged us in some way. It says, “Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”
My prayer is, “Father God, thank You for forgiving me for my sins. Thank You for Jesus. Please help me to follow Your example by being willing to forgive all those who have wronged me in any way. Please help me to show mercy and forgiveness instead of anger. I trust You to vindicate me where I have been treated unfairly. In Jesus’ Name, AMEN.
