Devotion:
For an audio version of this devotion, click here.
Read Matthew 6:9-15.
Our Scripture for today should be very familiar to us. We know it as the Lord’s Prayer. We recite it at least every Sunday during our time of worship to conclude the pastoral prayer. An alternate version of this prayer appears in Luke 11:2-4. We “know” the prayer, but do we really take time to understand what we are asking when we pray it?
Verse 12 says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Jesus explains what he means in verses 14-15, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Have you ever thought about that phrase? Jesus tells us that God will forgive us in the same measure that we forgive others. That is powerful… and concerning. Because it is too easy to hold a grudge or to be judgmental in our relationships. Yes, forgiveness can be hard work. But Jesus also reminds us that we are not alone. The Holy Spirit is there to help us, to guide us, and to give us the strength to do what we need to do.
Personal Worship Option:
Gracious God, I’ll admit that I don’t always get it right. Help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me and let that spirit of forgiveness become an integral part of my life. Amen.
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