We are continuing our examination of the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13) and looking at its significance. When I became a born-again Christian, I reexamined this portion of Scripture and realized just how profound this prayer model that Jesus gave us to follow was. We don’t have to pray exactly as shown to us because Jesus is giving us a blueprint on how to pray and approach God. It is the following:
Matthew 6:9-13 – KJV – “Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. And lead us not into temptation but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen”
Last issue we covered what it means to pray for our daily needs when Jesus said “…give us this day our daily bread.” This issue, we will look at what Jesus said following this, which was “…and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.” More modern translations, such as the NLT translate it “…and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”
For our church’s Winter Bible School, we recently finished up on a six-week series called “The Bait of Satan” by Christian Minister, Author and International speaker, John Bevere. This is one series that I would highly recommend as it had a powerful impact upon our church body. This book, which can also be seen on streaming media platforms, deals specifically on how Satan “baits” us to hold on to offenses and unforgiveness that so often, we Christians do, burying many unresolved issues deep within our hearts, sometimes for many years. And how that offense and lack of forgiveness can have devastating emotional effects on our lives. But also, how God helps us to get free of them.
The reality is, many of us at some point in our lives have (or are going to have) someone or some incident hurt us or rub us the wrong way which can cause an offense leading to years of walking in unforgiveness. But Jesus made it very clear in His teaching that we are to forgive others as He (God) has forgiven us. Scripture also says this:
Mark 11:25-26 – NASB – And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you for your offenses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your offenses.”]
That’s a reminder that when we go to pray, to remember to forgive those that we are holding any offenses against. And some translations say that if we refuse to forgive others, that God will not forgive ours. Whew!! Those are tough words, but needful for us to hear. And one reason is because God, in His intense love for us knows the emotional damage that can be caused in our lives because of this.
Hebrews 12:15 – NASB – See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;
When we hold on to offenses and unforgiveness, it can take “root” in our hearts, not only defiling our own souls, but also what the Scripture says defiling many. Our bitterness can sometimes even have an effect on those around us either in the way we treat people or in causing others to pick up our offense. Some people spend years not talking to one another due to an offense that happened between them ages ago. My conviction is that this saddens the heart of God because He knows full well how the enemy (the devil) can step in and build a bigger wedge between individuals causing the gap to get even wider. The wounds caused by it can go very deep. And sadly, some go to their graves never forgiving the other person. God wants us to let go of these offenses and forgive one another, but, if we are honest, it’s not always easy. It can be hard, but that’s why we need God’s help.
What works for me when I feel offended at someone or if I find that I am holding onto deep rooted unforgiveness, is that I get before the Lord and seek Him for inner healing. I get very honest with Him concerning my feelings toward that other individual (or individuals) and stick with it until I sense His grace begin to remove the emotional wound. It may take more than one round of prayer; I may have to approach the Lord more than once on the matter. I also remind myself that forgiveness is not always a “feeling”. This is a walk of faith. I may not always “feel” some warm, fuzzy feelings toward those that I’m offended at; that comes later as we continue to trust Him. But often, the “sting” of those hurt feelings gets removed as I allow the Holy Spirit and the processing of Scripture to do a work of penetrating and softening my heart. I also have trusted Christian friends whom I know I can share my heart and be transparent with in such matters (and other things too). They will pray and believe God with me. This is what works for me to get the victory over unforgiveness. We are all different and based upon the seriousness of the nature of an offense, some may have to seek professional help. But whichever route you choose, make a choice to forgive. It’s the best way for spiritual and emotional health, which is why Jesus exhorted us to “forgive others their debts” as He has forgiven ours. So, if you are struggling in this area, go to the Lord first and foremost. He’s always willing to help you in this area. Then seek out those whom you know you can trust to pray with you. I would again, highly recommend John Bevere’s book “The Bait of Satan”. You can even find it streaming online on YouTube.
God Bless!
