When we pray the words of our text, I wonder, do we realize what we are saying? Quite obviously, this portion of The Lord’s Prayer teaches us that we are to forgive those who treat us unfairly. This is not easy; but if we consider how much Christ has forgiven us, we will be able to forgive others.
Roy L. Smith says that the art of forgiving is a spiritual grace every Christian should develop. Because this is so difficult to put into practice, he offers the following suggestions:
- Begin by assuring yourself that compared to Christ’s suffering you haven’t been seriously wronged at all.
- Recall the many kind deeds that have been shown to you, perhaps even by the person who has harmed you.
- List the benefits you have received from the Lord.
- Thank Him for blessing you with His love and forgiveness each day.
- Make an honest effort to pray for the one who has injured you.
- God even further by looking for an opportunity to help him.
- If the offense is especially hard to forget, try to erase the memory by thinking gracious and generous thoughts.
- Finally, before you fall asleep at night, repeat slowly and thoughtfully that phrase from the Lord’s Prayer, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
What would happen if every Christian heeded these suggestions and extended pardon to his enemies? The repercussions would stir churches, awaken saints, convict sinners, and cause rejoicing in heaven. – Henry G. Bosch
Since the Lord your debt did pay,
Saved your soul in grace one day,
You with charity should live,
Always ready to forgive. – H. G. Bosch
It is far better to forgive and forget than to resent and remember.
- June 14, 1986, Our Daily Bread
For You 