And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12
Forgive Us
Can you think of a time where something has happened and you had to decide whether to forgive that person or not? What were your thoughts in that moment? Were you hesitant to forgive because of the hurt or disappointment you felt at the time?
What about when you were the one who sought forgiveness? How easy, or difficult was it, to ask for forgiveness? Were you forgiven? Has that experience changed the way you forgive?
For me, forgiveness is a concept, or principle, that was always talked about within the Church. It is not always an easy thing to do, and sometimes we need to pray for strength – strength to forgive those who do wrong against us, or for others to forgive us.
I wonder if, and how, Joseph forgave his brothers after they sold him into slavery (see Genesis 37-50). If I was in Joseph’s position, I think I would struggle to forgive my brothers. What about you? Would you find it easy, or difficult, to forgive your brothers if you were Joseph?
The comforting thing about forgiveness, is that when we forgive others, God forgives us too. We can find comfort in the promise found in verse 14:
“You can’t get forgiveness from God, for instance, without also forgiving others.” Matthew 6:14 (MSG)
Pray for your relationship with God, and that God gives you the strength to forgive anyone who has done wrong against or hurt you. May you find comfort in forgiving, and the forgiveness that comes from God.
Today's contributor: Julie Pavaday
