Topical Encyclopedia Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life, serving as a means of communication with God. It is an act of worship, supplication, and thanksgiving. One essential attitude that should accompany prayer is a forgiving spirit. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of forgiveness in the life of a believer, particularly in the context of prayer.Biblical Foundation The necessity of a forgiving spirit in prayer is rooted in the teachings of Jesus Christ. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus instructs His followers on the proper way to pray, including the Lord's Prayer, which highlights the importance of forgiveness. Matthew 6:12 states, "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." This petition underscores the reciprocal nature of forgiveness; as believers seek forgiveness from God, they are also called to extend forgiveness to others. Further emphasizing this principle, Jesus continues in Matthew 6:14-15 , "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive yours." This passage clearly links the act of forgiving others with receiving forgiveness from God, indicating that an unforgiving heart can hinder one's relationship with the Father. Parables and Teachings of Jesus The parable of the unforgiving servant, found in Matthew 18:21-35, illustrates the importance of forgiveness in the life of a believer. In this parable, a servant who is forgiven a great debt by his master refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The master, upon learning of this, revokes his forgiveness and punishes the unforgiving servant. Jesus concludes the parable with a stern warning in Matthew 18:35 : "This is how My Heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart." This parable serves as a powerful reminder that God's forgiveness is contingent upon our willingness to forgive others. It highlights the expectation that believers, having received God's grace and mercy, should likewise extend grace and mercy to those who have wronged them. Apostolic Teachings The apostles also reinforce the necessity of a forgiving spirit in prayer. In his epistle to the Ephesians, Paul writes, "Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you" (Ephesians 4:32). This exhortation to forgive as Christ forgave us is a call to emulate the divine forgiveness we have received, fostering a spirit of unity and love within the body of Christ. Similarly, in Colossians 3:13 , Paul instructs believers to "bear with one another and forgive any complaint you may have against someone else. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." This directive not only emphasizes the importance of forgiveness but also sets the standard for it—mirroring the forgiveness of the Lord. Practical Implications The call to offer prayer in a forgiving spirit has practical implications for the believer's spiritual life. An unforgiving heart can create a barrier between the individual and God, hindering the effectiveness of prayer. Jesus' teaching in Mark 11:25 further supports this: "And when you stand to pray, if you hold anything against another, forgive it, so that your Father in heaven will forgive your trespasses as well." By approaching prayer with a forgiving spirit, believers align themselves with God's will and character, fostering a deeper communion with Him. This attitude not only enhances personal spiritual growth but also promotes reconciliation and peace within the Christian community. Torrey's Topical Textbook Matthew 6:12And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Answer to Objections: Conditions Necessary to Prayer The Timeliness of Prayer The Unmerciful Servant. Christian Meekness David's Cry for Purity The Lord's Prayer Man's Difficulty Concerning Prayer. Counsel for Outward Behaviour. The Founding of Herrnhut, 1722-1727. Of Prayer --A Perpetual Exercise of Faith. The Daily Benefits ... Resources Questions about Prayer (All) | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the purpose of prayer? | GotQuestions.org What is a prayer circle? | GotQuestions.org Prayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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