“And forgive us our debts as we also have forgiven our debtors.”  Matthew 6:12 (NAS)

Jesus combines two important principles in these few words- repentance and forgiveness, and the two are closely linked. He is not referring to repentance from sin for salvation- He would soon accomplish that on the cross. Here He speaks of sin that disrupts our fellowship with the Father when our old nature surfaces and we act in any way that displeases Him. The moment we confess, He extends grace and forgiveness (1John 1:9). This portion of the prayer is conditional though; the forgiveness we receive is closely tied to our willingness to forgive those who have hurt or harmed us. Considering the magnitude of the grace we have received, how can we do less than to graciously extend mercy to others? Perhaps they don’t really deserve it, but neither do we.

Dear Lord,

Thank You for this paradigm of prayer that Jesus gave us. There is so much depth to each part that a lifetime of prayer could never exhaust it.  Please remind me to be quick to forgive. May I never withhold from anyone the mercy that You extend to me.

I love You, Lord.

Amen.