How does Matthew 6:12 guide us in forgiving others' debts or sins? The Essence of the Petition “ ‘And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.’ ” (Matthew 6:12) What “debts” means here • Moral and spiritual obligations—sins—owed to God • Failures in love, truth, or justice that place us in genuine liability before Him Why our forgiveness of others is inseparable from God’s forgiveness of us • The request is conditional: we ask God to treat us as we treat others. • Jesus repeats and amplifies it immediately: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.” (Matthew 6:14–15) • The wording shows we come to prayer already extending forgiveness; it is assumed to be our settled lifestyle. Scripture reinforces the principle • Luke 11:4 presents the same petition, confirming its foundational status. • Mark 11:25 — “Whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone…”. • Matthew 18:21-35, the parable of the unmerciful servant, illustrates the seriousness of refusing to forgive after being forgiven a greater debt. • Ephesians 4:32 — “Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” • Colossians 3:13 — “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Practical steps for walking this out 1. Examine the heart before prayer—ask the Spirit to reveal any grudges. 2. Decide to release the person from the right to pay you back; entrust justice to God. 3. Speak forgiveness aloud to the Lord; if possible, demonstrate it through kindness (Romans 12:17-21). 4. Keep forgiving—Peter’s “up to seven times?” is answered with “seventy-seven times.” (Matthew 18:22) 5. Remember your own forgiven debt often; gratitude fuels mercy. Blessings that follow forgiving others • Clear conscience and unhindered fellowship with God (Psalm 32:1-2). • Freedom from bitterness and its physical, emotional, and spiritual toll (Hebrews 12:15). • Credible witness: a forgiven and forgiving community displays the Gospel’s power (John 13:35). Summary Matthew 6:12 teaches that seeking God’s pardon is inseparably linked to extending pardon to others. By forgiving as we have been forgiven, we echo our Father’s heart, keep our prayers effective, and live the Gospel before a watching world. |
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