As We Also Forgive Our Debtors
He answered, You shall not strike them: would you strike those whom you have taken captive with your sword and with your bow? set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. — 2 Kings 6:22
But if you don't forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. — Matthew 6:15
Author
Dr. Roberto Miranda
Summary: We continually need God’s forgiveness, and at the same time, we must extend that same forgiveness to those who offend us. Being forgiven and forgiving are two sides of the same coin: if we refuse to forgive, neither will we be able to receive the forgiveness of our heavenly Father. Forgiveness sets us free, heals us, and draws us closer to God’s merciful nature; resentment, by contrast, poisons us and fills us with bitterness, physically and spiritually. Let us therefore learn to live with grace and mercy. Let us allow forgiveness to flow from us toward others, because it will also become a refreshing spring that enables us to move forward successfully and with lightness of spirit.
This is one of the most sublime expressions in the entire Lord’s Prayer. It encompasses one of the deepest and most exalted principles in the entire gospel: Not only do we ourselves need God’s continual forgiveness, but we must also extend that same privilege of forgiveness to others when they offend us.
These are two sides of the same coin. Being forgiven by God presupposes that we will be willing to forgive our fellow human beings. Forgiving others has the same liberating and healing effect as being forgiven by God. If we do not forgive others, neither will we be able to receive forgiveness from our heavenly Father.
Forgiving those who have offended us is one of the fundamental sources of mental and emotional health. Resentment, on the other hand, is a poison that settles within us and embitters us both physically and spiritually. The person who forgives draws nearer than anyone else to the divine nature, for the very essence of God is, indeed, to forgive. The Bible declares: “The LORD is merciful and gracious, Slow to anger, and abundant in mercy. He will not contend forever, Nor will He remain angry forever” (Psalms 103:8 and 9). God is pure grace, and His mercy always triumphs over judgment.
If we learn to live lives of grace and mercy, we will receive grace and forgiveness from God and from others when we, too, commit our own offenses. Let forgiveness flow from you as though through a wide, clean pipe. The forgiveness and grace you impart to others will become within you a refreshing spring of water that will enable you to navigate life successfully and with lightness of spirit.