Quick to Forgive
We are reading Matthew 6 on our journey through the Bible this year. Jesus teaches us how to pray.
‘In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.’
Matthew 6:9-13
He mentions forgiveness again in 14 and 15.
‘”If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. ‘
Matthew 6:14-15
I had a priest once tell me that he thought unforgiveness was the biggest barrier to miracles. I wouldn’t doubt that. I’ve seen friends hang on to past hurts and wounds that I believe affected not only their emotional health, but their physical health as well. The old saying is true:
“Not forgiving someone is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.”
We have to forgive to be forgiven. It’s important that we also forgive ourselves. We need to give ourselves grace and mercy for our past mistakes. We might have to insert our own names in the blessing prayer mentioned yesterday. We have to remember, Jesus has removed our sins; our past doesn’t define us. God’s unfailing love and compassion define us.
‘For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him. ‘
Psalms 103:11-13
Christ gave us the perfect example of forgiveness on the cross.
‘Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they don’t know what they are doing.” And the soldiers gambled for his clothes by throwing dice. ‘
Luke 23:34
Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your grace and unfailing love. Please forgive my family, my ancestors, and me for our sins. Holy Spirit, reveal to me anyone I need to forgive. Help anyone that I may have hurt forgive me. Help us to be quick to forgive, quick to love, and show mercy. Deliver us from the evil one. In Jesus name, Amen.
On a related side note, I follow Trent Tribe and think he’s great. He has just started a series on the Lord’s Prayer.