A Norvell Note
May 3 – Vol. 30 No. 17
Forgiving Others
This, then, is how you should pray:
Our Father in heaven,
hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come,
your will be done,
on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom and the power
And the glory forever. (NIV, Matthew 6:9-13)
Like many of you, I have read, prayed, sung, and heard the Lord’s prayer more times than I can count. Surely it is one of the most used in all the scriptures. Please read it again.
The Lord’s Prayer (NIV, Matthew 6:9-13)
Reflecting on Forgiveness
As I prayed this prayer again, these thoughts surfaced: “And forgive us our debts (sins), as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who have sinned against me).” Jesus seems to assume that we have already forgiven those who have wronged us. It’s not a matter of someday forgiving or thinking about forgiving; it suggests we already have.
Then I read those same lines from the Contemporary English Version: “Forgive us for the ways we have wronged you, just as we also forgive those who have wronged us.”
Personal Convictions and Questions
I was convicted in these ways:
- When I pray, “Father, forgive me,” am I certain there is not any outstanding or overdue forgiveness I need to offer to others? Am I holding back forgiveness? If so, why?
- How have I wronged God? How have others wronged me? Are there wounds or grudges I’m holding that I’m not willing to release?
- Forgiveness truly is a big deal.
I love you.
Tom
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