Forgive
to Be Forgiven
And
forgive us our debts,
as
we also have forgiven our debtors.—Matthew 6:12
Few things are more precious to receive than forgiveness. After carrying the
burden of our sin, it is wonderfully freeing to know that the one we have
wronged has completely forgiven us. Jesus told His disciples to ask God for
forgiveness every time they prayed. Jesus knew that we would daily incur debts
against God, as we inevitably fall short of God's standard. A day does not go by
that we do not need to ask God to remove our debt against Him.
Jesus warned that we should expect forgiveness from God as we forgive those
who sin against us, for God will forgive us in the same way we forgive others
(Matt. 6:15).
God's nature is forgiveness (Exod. 34:6–7). If
we are to be His disciples, we must follow His example. If God will forgive our
most relentless enemy, we can do nothing less. Jesus did not say that certain
offenses are unworthy of our forgiveness. We have no biblical excuse for
allowing unforgiveness in our hearts.
If you choose to withhold forgiveness from someone, your worship and prayers
are futile (Matt.
5:23–24). Ask God to make you aware of those dark corners in your life where
you are harboring resentment. A keen awareness of your own need for forgiveness
will put the offenses of others in their proper light. Ask God to make you like
Christ so that, even when you are being persecuted, you can pray "Father,
forgive them.” —Experiencing God Day by Day
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