The Lord’s Prayer
And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 6:12
Relationships are important to us, foremostly our relationship with God and secondarily our relationship with those with whom we interact. Sadly, these relationships are ruptured and damaged by human sin. This is described as debt, what is owed another by reason of an offense or sin. Because of our debts, Jesus instructs us to ask God for forgiveness. Through the Holy Spirit we learn to express our willingness to forgive others.
Hasn’t God already forgiven all human sin (2 Cor. 5:19)? If so, why are we to pray for God’s forgiveness? In Luther’s Large Catechism, he writes, “There is here again great need for us to call upon God and to pray, ‘Dear Father, forgive us our trespasses.’ It is not as though He did not forgive sin without and even before our prayer… But the purpose of this prayer is that we may recognize and receive such forgiveness… (When we sin, our) conscience is thrown into unrest, so that it is afraid of God’s wrath and displeasure. So it loses the comfort and confidence derived from the Gospel. Therefore, it is always necessary that we run here and receive consolation to comfort the conscience again.”
As to us forgiving others, this does not come naturally. Because of our sinfulness, it comes naturally to hold a grudge and seek revenge. When it comes to being willing to forgive others, we shouldn’t look within ourselves. In Ephesians 4, the apostle Paul exhorts, “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you.” (V.32) When Paul encourages us to forgive others and then speaks of God’s forgiveness, he is not simply pointing to the example of God’s forgiveness in Christ Jesus, He is also pointing us to the source of our strength to forgive others. His forgiving love fills our hearts with love whereby we then are willing to forgive others in Christ Jesus.
Since we sin daily, it is important to remember the Fifth Petition.
Forgive our sins, Lord, we implore,
Remove from us their burdens sore,
As we their trespasses forgive
Who by offenses us do grieve. Amen.
The Lutheran Hymnal 458:6