Luke 11:4 (NKJV)
And forgive us our sins, For we also forgive everyone who is indebted to us.
To forgive or not to forgive, that is an issue that many of us struggle with, especially if the offence left deep emotional wounds. One important aspect that Jesus included as he taught his disciples how to pray is the issue of reconciliation with both God and man.
Because we are human, we are not perfect, and we will make mistakes, but we should not allow those mistakes to affect us, instead , we should run to God the father. The bible tells us in;
1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
9 If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
As a loving father who desires a relationship with his children, God knows that we are weak, and thus he is patient with us and ready to forgive us and get us back on track if we recognize the wrong we have done, and we go to him in confession and repentance. Like the prodigal son was embraced and restored by his father when he went back to him in repentance, God is willing to do the same, but the enemy lies to us that we are unworthy and a great disappointment to our father and instead of running to God to find healing and restoration, we run away from him.
The same way God desires for us to be reconciled to him, he also desires that we be reconciled to our brother. Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us. Meaning that if we fail to forgive our brother who has sinned against us, then God will not forgive us. This is what Jesus says in;
Matthew 6:15 (NKJV)
15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
A man or woman who is mature in prayer is a man or woman who easily forgives because they know that relationships are more important than material things, and they are careful to protect the relationship they have with their father.
In fact, on this matter, Jesus said that if you have brought a gift to God and you remember that you are not reconciled with your brother, then leave the gift at the altar, go find your brother and reconcile with him, then come back and offer your gift.
That’s how indispensable God takes reconciliation because relationships are important to him.
Reflective Thoughts
Do you find it challenging to go to God and ask for forgiveness when you have done wrong? If yes, why?
Looking back at your life, have you placed more effort on relationships or material things?
Are there people you need to forgive? For your own good, do so because that protects your relationship with God.