and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. - Matthew 6:12 ESV
This might be a tough one today.
I am so thankful for God’s forgiveness through Jesus. I’m thankful that if I sin, all I have to do is admit it to God and He will make me clean again.
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 ESV
It’s the second part of today’s verse that gives me pause, especially that little word “as.” Jesus is telling us to ask for the same kind of forgiveness that we give to others. Ouch!
God forgives generously, I am sometimes stingy when it comes to forgiving others. Sometimes, I can feel justified in holding onto hurts; I don’t want to forgive someone because he was just so wrong. Surely God understands that they don’t deserve forgiveness.
That thought brings me up short. God has forgiven me so much. Noone has ever hurt me the way that I’ve hurt God with my rebellion, my stubbornness to do things my way. I don’t deserve forgiveness; I deserve death for my sins. Jesus, in His incredible steadfast love, took my punishment. Who am I, whom God has forgiven so much, to withhold forgiveness from someone else?
The fact is, when I’m aware that I need to forgive someone but refuse to do so, I am deliberately choosing to disobey my Lord who gave up everything for me. That’s sobering. And it changes my perspective on praying Matthew 6:12.
When I’m confessing my own sin and asking for forgiveness, I also ask God to show me if I’m holding onto unforgiveness against anyone. I add nursing that grudge to the things I’m confessing and ask Him to heal my heart so I can let go. And I pray for people who hurt me, that they would know Jesus’ forgiveness themselves.
So if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother has something against you, leave your gift there before the altar and go. First be reconciled to your brother, and then come and offer your gift. - Matthew 5:23-24 ESV
Think About: Have you been holding onto unforgiveness against someone? What are you going to do about it?
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