“And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.” (Luke 11:4)
There are three different petitions in this Scripture. They are part of the Lord’s Prayer. We must remember that the Lord’s Prayer is a pattern for praying, a sort of template to use and personalize for our situation. Jesus said, “After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.” (Matthew 6:9) We see in Matthew that Jesus says, “in this way” or “in this fashion.” But Luke records it differently: “And He said unto them, When ye pray, say, Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth.” (Luke 11:2) This might qualify it to be a prayer to be repeated. Even so, there are parts of that prayer that are not relevant because it was a prayer to be prayed before the redemption. And some parts do not apply.
What does apply though is verse 4 of Luke 11. Forgiveness is a big thing to the Lord. First, it is God’s provision in Jesus. All of our sins are forgiven. “Who hath delivered us from the power of darkness, and hath translated us into the kingdom of His dear Son: In whom we have redemption through His blood, even the forgiveness of sins:” (Colossians 1:13-14) God has provided for our transgressions to be forgiven.
The Lord is requiring us to forgive others also. “Then came Peter to Him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” (Matthew 18:21-22) This doesn’t mean that we can count off the times we forgive up to 490 times. What Jesus meant was that we should forgive always. He then tells the parable of the unforgiving servant. However long it is, it needs to be understood.
“Therefore, is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise, shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not everyone his brother their trespasses.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
We have been forgiven much. And the Lord through this parable is telling us that because we were shown mercy and compassion for our offenses, we should also have mercy and compassion on those who offend us. Forgiveness is so important to the Lord, He has declared that He will not forgive us if we don’t forgive. “And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25-26) And if we do forgive, the Lord has given us a promise. “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:” (Matthew 6:14) The Lord has made it quite simple: “Judge not, and ye shall not be judged: condemn not, and ye shall not be condemned: forgive, and ye shall be forgiven:” (Luke 6:37)
About now I’m sure you are saying, “…easier said than done.” Yes, it is. But remember we are not alone in this. If the Lord is requiring us to do it, He knows we can do it, no matter how much it hurts. He has given us the Holy Spirit to help us. The Holy Spirit can empower and enable us to obey the Lord. We can call on Him to help us. He is ready to help us because what the Lord is requiring us to do is not natural to us. It’s a supernatural act that requires supernatural help. And that’s what the Holy Spirit can give us.
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