After we pray for our "daily bread" in the Lord's Prayer, we move into the area of forgiveness. We pray the words: "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us."
Here we recognize and are reminded of the fundamental brokenness in our relationship with God. We have sinned and we ask for forgiveness. This forgiveness is something that has been accomplished for us in Jesus' life here on Earth. Jesus through his death on the cross has paid the penalty for every last sin we commit.
Note, that this petition assumes that we are those who forgive others. Yes, if we expect to be forgiven, we ought to be able to offer forgiveness to others. Jesus told a parable of the unmerciful servant who was forgiven the debt he owed to the king whom he was serving, yet failed to forgive his fellow servant who owed a much larger debt. Matthew 18: 21-35
Why is it that we find it hard to forgive others? I believe it can only stem from the fact that we have not recognized the full extent of God's forgiveness to us. If God does offer forgiveness for each and every one of my sins, how can I not forgive the sin of someone else? Dare I be selective? If we cannot forgive others, then we must examine our own relationship with God.
We pray here for forgiveness, as it reminds us that we sin daily. It reminds us to of the mercy that God is willing to extend to you and me. As we pray for this great gift from God, may we be ready to forgive others!
Do you have any difficulty forgiving someone who has wronged you? If so, will you reassess what God has done for you?
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