Jesus is Essential
Matthew 6:12: And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
Our Lord Jesus could not pray this—He had no sin to be forgiven. You see, it is not the Lord’s prayer; it is the disciples’ prayer. “Forgive us our debts as we forgive those that are indebted to us” is legalistic; it is not grace. Today God is forgiving us on the basis of what Christ has done for us, not on the basis by which we forgive—as touching the matter of our salvation.
The redemption of God is in full view when God forgives us. It does not refer to our salvation when we read, “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” He is speaking here to those who are already saved, those who already have the nature of God. He does not wait for you to forgive before He forgives. This is not His method of settling the sin question. He gave His Son to die, and it is on this basis that God forgives. 1
Walking with Jesus
Is there someone you need to forgive today? Will you take the initiative and seek to restore a broken relationship?
And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
When you experience His forgiveness, you will feel compelled to forgive the same way. – TWEET IT
Praying
Lord, thank You for Your saving forgiveness, and Your continual forgiveness, so I can stay in fellowship with You.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13) (electronic ed., Vol. 34). Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
