Matthew 6:9–13 (NKJV) 9 Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. 10 Your kingdom come. Your will be done On earth as it is in heaven. 11 Give us this day our daily bread. 12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 13 And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.
Purging: Matthew 6:12 (NKJV) Forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
1. Forgive us our debts. "In Christ, we are positionally righteous, that prompts us to practice righteousness."
Romans 3:23 (NIV) For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God gk.Hamartia: archery term "missing the mark."
1 John 1:8–10 (NIV) 8 If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. 9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
Psalm 139:23–24 (NLT) 23 Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. 24 Point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life.
Tenderness is always the goal!
Prayer Tip: Ask the Lord to reveal where you missed it, then ask for his forgiveness.
"Our posture towards sin reflects a lot about our perception of God."
1 John 2:1-2 (NIV) My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. 2 He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.
He is Holy, He is also merciful.
Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Mercy is his default because mercy is his nature.
2. As we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 18:21–35 (NLT) 21 Then Peter came to him and asked, "Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?" 22 "No, not seven times," Jesus replied, "but seventy times seven!
"God is serious about forgiveness. He is equally as serious about unforgiveness."
Matthew 5:22–24 (NLT) 22 But I say, if you are even angry with someone, you are subject to judgment! If you call someone an idiot, you are in danger of being brought before the court. And if you curse someone, you are in danger of the fires of hell. 23 "So if you are presenting a sacrifice at the altar in the Temple and you suddenly remember that someone has something against you, 24 leave your sacrifice there at the altar. Go and be reconciled to that person. Then come and offer your sacrifice to God.
Prayer Tip: If relational tensions arise immediately, work towards reconciliation.
Ephesians 4:30–32 (NLT) 30 And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.
