“Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us”
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” -Jesus (Matt. 5:7)
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matt. 6:15)
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up too seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'” (Matthew 18:21, 22)
“Then the Master called the servant in, ‘You wicked servant, I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matt. 18:32, 33)
Our meditation over the last few days has focused on the wonderful incomprehensible forgiveness of God for us. We have been reminded that God does NOT forgive “like” we forgive (Thank the Lord) and that His forgiveness is unconditional and available to all who wish to receive it through repentance. But we have also mentioned that experiencing God’s forgiveness should change the way we practice forgiveness to others. So, today we must look at that aspect.
In the Scriptures above we see that God does take interest in how His forgiveness shows itself in our lives. In Matthew 18 Jesus reveals this truth in a parable about a man who owed a great debt. When he begged for mercy from the master he was forgiven the great debt. Then we see the forgiven man harassing a friend for a much smaller debt and giving no mercy. Lesson…there is no way that you can be the recipient of such a great act of mercy and not be merciful. God’s forgiveness should transform how we deal with those who have sinned against us.
Have you experienced the unbelievable mercy of God in your life? Have you experienced the joy of being forgiven of all your sins through faith in Jesus? If so…have you allowed this great gift…this wonderful blessing…to transform your attitude to those who have wronged you? In light of what you have been forgiven their sin against you is nothing.
To be forgiven is to be called to be a people of forgiveness. Yes, God’s forgiveness and our forgiveness of others is all wrapped up together. They are to be a package deal. If we cannot forgive then we probably have not totally appreciated God’s forgiveness.
Are you a forgiving person? What can you do today that models God’s forgiveness?