"Forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us."
Jesus Christ the Lord God forgives us of our sins. Do you forgive those who sin against you? Have you learned to let go of the resentment and anger that comes when someone sins against you? Do you forget about the transgressions and never bring them to mind again? In short are you able to forgive and forget? Many believer's struggle with this One Truth Today. Even though it is one of the cornerstones of the Lord's prayer we need to not just hear the Word, but become a doer of the Word. If you fail to understand, it will lead to some terrible results in your life. It is human nature to hold a grudge and try to repay like for like. You have now taken on God's nature, and He forgives and forgets our sins. What would happen to you if the Lord took the same position that you do. If you do not forgive, why should the Lord forgive you?
In some translations we ask the Lord to forgive our debt. We add that we will also forgive those who are our debtors. The concept is that the Lord paid the price for our sins and we in turn are responsible to forgive the debt of others who have sinned against us. We no longer have a debt with God and we should not continue to try and collect a debt from those who have wronged us. If a debt is forgiven then there is no longer any obligation. Have you forgiven and forgotten the sins and debts of your family, friends and others? The Lord expects you to go even a step further. The Lord expects us to forgive our enemies. Just as He forgave us when we were the enemy of God. If you do not practice forgiveness, why should God forgive you?
The best reason to forgive those who have sinned against you is that there will be an end to the consequences of carrying the burden. Sins and debts are a heavy bag and load to carry on your back forever! As the Lord says, "lay your burden at my feet, and I will give you rest." You only harm yourself when you fail to forgive and forget the sins against you. The real danger is that you have failed to Listen and Learn from the Word of God. If you disobey God you will suffer and it will be the result of your own choices. Choices have consequences. If you Believe and Love God then Listen and Obey. FORGIVENESS of our sins is linked to us, and forgiving those who sin against us should be a part of your Christian life!
