Forgive Us Our Debts!

Our sermon series entitled, Standing On The Promises Of God -The Lord's Prayer continued yesterday with the focus on FORGIVENESS.

Jesus prayed earnestly, purposefully, and with certainty. He knew that God answers prayer. "The Lord’s prayer" was given during Christ’s Sermon on the Mount to provide an example for how we should approach the throne of grace. Prayer is the prelude to peace, the prologue to power, the preface to purpose, and the pathway to perfection!

We all need forgiveness, but we also need to forgive others. Holding grudges saps us of creative energies to love, lift and serve. By asking God for forgiveness we are willing to admit our sins, weaknesses and areas where we have done less than our best. Refusing to forgive others hinders our relationship with God. Our debt to God is far greater than what we could repay. Our only hope is found in God’s forgiveness through Christ’s substitutionary death for the sins of world. Our prayer should be: "God help us to give what has been given to us.

We must forgive to be forgiven. Jesus says it in a number of places:

in Matthew 7:2 For in the same way as you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.

in Matthew 18:35 This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.

Mark 11:25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.

Paul says it in Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

in James 2:13 because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment!If we do not forgive those who harm us, God will not forgive us!