Aug 22 – Forgive Us Lord, As We Forgive Others!

“And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)

When we read this verse in Luke’s Gospel, we find it expressed this way: “And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.” (Luke 11:4)

Likewise, in the commonly recited Lord’s Prayer, we pray, “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

This is a prayer that carries a condition. Consider the words carefully: “As we forgive… forgive us.” If you forgive others, you will be forgiven. If you refuse to forgive, forgiveness will not be extended to you. If you harbour unforgiveness toward others, the Lord will neither hear your prayer nor answer it.

One day, a mother came to our office with tears streaming down her face. She lamented, “Sir, my daughter is being treated very cruelly by her husband’s family.”

At that very moment, an elderly gentleman who knew her happened to enter the office. Looking at her, he said, “Madam, please stop shedding these tears for a moment. Everyone in town knows how harshly you treat your own daughter-in-law. If your daughter is now being treated cruelly by her mother-in-law, there is nothing surprising about it.” Hearing those words, the woman was stunned and became speechless.

The Lord Jesus taught: “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25–26)

We learn the greatness of forgiveness from Christ Himself. He endured false accusations and unjust trials before Pilate, Herod, and the chief priests. He was cruelly nailed to the cross. Yet, even in that hour of suffering, He prayed: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34)

The Lord Jesus not only taught forgiveness – He lived it perfectly, leaving us the supreme example to follow.

There may be times when you hurt someone, whether intentionally or unintentionally. Do not delay. Humble yourself and ask for forgiveness. Do everything within your power, in a spirit of love, to restore peace and reconciliation.

Dear children of God, if others have wounded you, do not continue living with bitterness and pain. Forgive them sincerely from your heart, and choose to let go of the offence. Forgiveness is God’s healing medicine. It restores wounded hearts, removes heavy burdens, and fills the soul with joy.

Verse for further meditation: “And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one.” (Matthew 6:13)