"and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us." Matthew 6:12(NLT)
One of the many interesting things about this Scripture is that it shows universal sin. Jesus didn't say, "Forgive us our sins, if there are any..." No, it's just, "forgive us our sins." Romans 3:23 identifies with this Scripture in showing us universal sin;
"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God,"(ESV)
Without a doubt, we are all sinners and in need of God's forgiveness. If you doubt this click NeedGod. There are many passages that show our need for confession of sin and God's willingness to forgive us of those sins.
"If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness." 1 John 1:8-9(ESV)
That is the good news of the Gospel. Praise God for His wonderful mercy! Beloved Christian, we are pardoned because of what Christ did on the cross at Calvary. Many times our hindrance in praying comes from a sense of guilt and shame. But Christ died to take away the sins of all who repent and put their trust in Him. We can come before the throne of grace boldly, (Hebrews 4:16), and seek mercy in our time of need. That is very good news indeed!
But we can't stop there. There is a second part to this Scripture that needs to be addressed. It is the call to action that we've been seeing throughout this method of prayer.
"...as we have forgiven those who sin against us." Matthew 6:12b(NLT)
Here we see a stipulation to asking for forgiveness. We must, in turn, forgive those who have sinned against us. Even though this is said after, if you look closely at the passage you see that this action actually comes first. It says, "as we have...", past tense. Look a couple of verses down and Jesus clarifies this.
"For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." Matthew 6:14-15(ESV)
Over and over again, Scripture reveals to us just how important forgiveness is, not only in our lives, but to God. Forgiveness, and it's many derivatives, are mentioned over one hundred times in the Bible. It's so important in fact, that when Peter asked about how many times one should forgive someone, Jesus replied and gave a parable showing just how important forgiveness is in the life of a believer.
"Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy times seven. 'Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also My heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Matthew 18:22-35(ESV)
Oh how important it is that we forgive!
How can we plead for mercy when we ourselves are not willing to give it? The good news of the Gospel is mercy, forgiveness, and grace! If we do not show this in our own lives then we must come to God in repentance until our hearts explode with the same grace and mercy that He is showing us.
One last thing.
Forgiveness is an action on your part. The other person isn't required for you to forgive them. Remember, "but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." Romans 5:8(ESV) He began the process of forgiveness well before you were even born.
Now if you're able to get an apology for the sins committed against you, great. The main concern however is your relationship with God. Holding onto that bitterness and anger will only do you harm in the end. So let it go, and let God wash you clean of all that hatred and show you true forgiveness, mercy, and grace.
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-Ij_PPI_XU&w=560&h=340]
7x70 by Chris August
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