This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, 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.”
– Matthew 6:9-13
 It is so important for us to forgive the sins of others because we have been forgiven of so much. Not only God forgives us, but our friends, family, and others often overlook so many things we do. Man, if I had a list of all the times I hurt people because of some stupid thing I said when I was angry, or when I was hungry, or when I was late. And the people in my life have been so gracious and merciful in the times when I was hurting or not feeling good. I was accidentally wounding other people and just getting messy, yet the people in my life still loved me. And in the midst of all of that, God forgave all my sins — the past, present, future. Each of my sins was covered by the cross of Jesus Christ, and because of that, I’m called beloved. We’re not just forgiven; we’re chosen, blessed, and called. God has a destiny for us and He has great things planned for our lives. He’s not hanging our past mistakes and regrets over our heads; He just loves us. And this should give us a deep, deep desire to forgive, reconcile, and let go. |
Prayer
Thank you, God, for forgiving me and choosing me. Thank for everyone in my life that has done the same. I am forgiven, chosen, and beloved. Help me to express that same love to others.
Reflection
When’s a time you’ve been offered love and forgiveness by a loved one?
