Forgiveness by Henry M. of Zambia

FORGIVENESS

In Luke 11 we have a very interesting and important account in the lives of the disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ.  They had been observing Jesus praying, somehow, they are interested and one of them asks him to teach them how to pray just like the way John taught his disciples. We are then introduced to what we famously call “Lord’s Prayer” which I think should be rightly called “the disciple’s model prayer.”

In that model prayer, the Lord outlines some very important issues in relation to prayer, such as their relationship with God. He is our father, the value attached to His name, His rule and so on. Then in verse 4 the Lord adds a line “… and forgive us our sins for we ourselves forgive everyone who is indebted to us and lead us not into temptation.” (ESV). In the NIV it reads as follows “Forgive us our sin, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us and lead us not into temptation…” Very profound words.

What comes to mind immediately is that forgiveness is something that is sought for by any offender. We all want to be forgiven; we all feel nice and relieved when forgiven. This is the reason we are asking God to forgive us. We want to feel good. Secondly it is hard to give it out. In the same sentence the idea of forgiving someone who owes you some money comes out. It is not easy to cancel a debt. In those days lending money to someone was a way of investing, one knew they would get more from there. We get that idea in the account of the talents in Matthew 25:15-30. The punishment of not making a profit was very high. That is how forgiveness is likened. Therefore, to let go a debt was like you have lost out on something big.

However, in forgiveness a load is removed from the giver of forgiveness, just like it is lifted from the heart of the recipient. The giver of forgiveness does not keep a record of wrong, such a one demonstrates love. Forgiving should come from some background. In Ephesians 4:29-32 gives us the possible grounds of forgiveness. We should have good language towards each other, we should not grieve the Holy Spirit, we should get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, we should be kind and compassionate to one another.  This will help us forgive each other as God forgave us. The level and quality of your relationship with one another facilitates forgiveness. In our passage it is because God is our Father, a close and valued relationship thus he forgives us. We are his children, another close relationship, we should forgive each other. The Lord Jesus was teaching His disciples to relate well with one another.

Prayer: Lord teach me how to forgive those who hurt me. I want to ask forgiveness from those I have hurt. Forgive me of all my sins, in your Son’s name Amen.