The Lord's Prayer: Forgive Us Our Trespasses

God’s Word challenges us to be ambassadors of reconciliation. Reconciliation begins with forgiving those that have sinned against us. Before we forgive we need to understand what forgiveness is and we need to clear up what it’s not.

1) Forgiveness isn’t excusing sin. Pretending sin didn’t happen or brushing it aside is not an option. Sin is serious—it cost Christ His life.

2) Forgiveness isn’t forgetting sin. God doesn’t literally “forget” our sins—He chooses not to hold them against us for the sake of Christ (Jeremiah 31:34).

3) Forgiveness isn’t a passing feeling that is given once the pain of sin passes away. If that were the case, many wounds would never heal.

4) Forgiveness isn’t the same as reconciliation. A broken relationship may not always be restored. In fact, in situations of betrayal or abuse, it may not be safe or wise to reconcile.

So then, what is forgiveness?

1. Forgiveness is the release of debt. It’s entrusting the hurt and injustice to God. When you forgive, you’re saying: “I will not carry this offense as a weapon against you anymore. I’m handing it to the Lord.”

2. Forgiveness is a decision. We don’t wait until our emotions feel ready—Christ commands us to forgive as an act of obedience. But that decision often needs to be renewed. Some days, the pain resurfaces. Some days, anger boils back up. So we keep returning to Christ in prayer, asking Him to do in us what we cannot do on our own.

3. Forgiveness is sometimes one-sided. You can forgive even if the other person never apologizes, never repents, or never seeks reconciliation. Why? Because forgiveness is not dependent on them—it’s the fruit of God’s mercy at work in you.

4. Forgiveness is the Christian life. Every day we stand before God as beggars who need His mercy. And every day, for Christ’s sake, He gives it—fully, freely, completely. From that endless supply, we forgive others.

Reflection:

~ Who is God calling you to release from the debt of sin today?

~ How might withholding forgiveness be keeping you in bondage?

~ How does Christ’s forgiveness of you give strength to forgive others?

Prayer:

Merciful Father, I confess that I often want to hold on to bitterness rather than forgive. But You do not hold my sins against me—for Jesus has paid it all. Teach me to live in the freedom of Your forgiveness and to extend that same grace to others, even when it is difficult. Keep me close to Christ, who forgave even His enemies from the cross. In His name I pray. Amen.