Luke 11:4
The scripture for today is Luke 11:4
Luke 11:4 And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
In this the model prayer, Jesus instructs us to pray for forgiveness. But we are to expect to receive it in the same manner that we have given it. To "forgive everyone that is indebted to us" actually means to forgive everyone who has injured us. It is clear from the Lord's words that receiving forgiveness is connected to forgiving others. That is not because God is unwilling to forgive us; it is because the presence of unforgiveness in our lives blocks the ability to receive forgiveness from God.
The biggest problem we face with forgiveness is not in wanting to receive it, but our unwillingness to forgive others when we are offended.
You may have heard the story of the little boy who refused to sit down when his teacher told him to. When forced to comply, the little boy said "I may be sitting on the outside, but I am still standing on the inside." This is how many of us approach forgiveness. We might ask forgiveness on the outside, but we are not really sorry on the inside. Or we might say "I forgive you" on the outside, but inside we are still holding on to hurt and resentment. Often, we are dealing with pain and resentment that go back many years. Sometimes the event that caused the problem is long past and forgotten by the offender. The person involved might have even passed away. Yet unforgiveness lingers in the heart and takes its toll spiritually and often results in mental and physical disease. With such a life-threatening problem confronting us, we can be sure that scripture has much to say on this subject. It is one of the most critical issues that we face as Christians. It underscores our relationship with God and with one another.
As we come to God daily in prayer, it is critical that we come to Him in the spirit of Christ. As He hung on the cross, Jesus looked down upon sinful men who were gambling for the last earthly possession He had, his clothes. He did not look on them with hatred or disgust. He said "Father forgive them." We must have the same heart of forgiveness; we must follow the example of Christ.
God bless you as you continue in His service.
Tim