Day 4: "as we also have forgiven our debtors (those who sinned against us)"

The Lord’s Prayer

“‘Our Father in heaven, may your name be holy, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

Prompt

As we also…Receiving God’s forgiveness is intertwined with the idea and expectation that we will also be forgivers. Not only do we fall short, judge, and hurt others, but people fail us, judge us, hurt us. Forgiveness is not easy. Jesus gave himself up on the cross for forgiveness. It was a choice…hold our sin against us and not have a relationship, or have a relationship with us—he chose us. While we might engage in a relationship with people who have hurt us (especially deeply) it makes room for the Holy Spirit to do God’s will. Like the father welcoming the prodigal son, how do we lavishly offer grace and forgiveness?

Prayer

I know we are called to forgive, Lord…but it’s hard. People have hurt me deeply, in ways I’m not even aware of. And I know the pain has caused bitterness, resentment, judgement, and even division in the church. Holy Spirit, help me forgive them just like I’ve been forgiven. Help me to see them as people made in Your image, just like I am. I know that harboring unforgiveness is not good for my spirit, and can hinder the blessings You have for me and for others. I want to forgive, my spirit is weak, I’m afraid of the pain of being hurt again. As You teach me to forgive, I trust that You will also heal and teach me to love deeply. Holy Spirit, enter my heart, into the deepest wounds and places of hurt and unforgiveness, and do your will—lead me into righteousness.

Reflect

Consider the ways you’ve responded to being hurt: the walls you built, the defense mechanisms you’ve held onto. How is forgiveness part of the culture of God’s kingdom? And how do you not just live in the culture of the kingdom, but participate in it—as we also have forgiven?