Forgive Us Of Our Sins
Forgive Us Of Our Sins | September 24, 2023
A reality of this life is that we will miss the mark of God's standards, which ultimately is called sin. Our sinful nature leads us to think and eventually act rebelliously toward God. Sometimes, we don't even realize that we cheat, doubt, lie, manipulate, or unjustly judge others. Sin is sneaky and a part of our everyday life whether we acknowledge it or not. Also, we face a daily battle of temptation in our minds, meaning our thoughts can be ungodly.
Thus, the need to restore fellowship with God is essential, and the way forward after a failure is to seek our Heavenly Father's forgiveness, which is why Jesus made it part of this prayer. He said in Matthew 6:12a, "and forgive us our sins..." The placement of this petition is noteworthy.
If the Lord's Prayer began with confession, we may become discouraged by our shortcomings. Instead, God, in His infinite wisdom, put this segment in the middle of the prayer because we begin by focusing on His goodness and rulership. After that, we are ready to come clean with our Heavenly Father humbly yet confidently! However, all of these prayers for forgiveness are for naught if we do not extend forgiveness to others. The second part of Matthew 6:12 says, "...as we also forgive those who sin against us."
Jesus is primarily saying that you can't ask the Father for forgiveness if you do not want to forgive others because that represents someone who does not understand the grace of God. In addition, Jesus told us to be merciful and that He would give us even more mercy. Forgiveness works similarly. Yes, all grace, mercy, and forgiveness are secured for us through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Still, God has built the ability to extend forgiveness within the dynamic of human relationships, and He has chosen to connect that to our receiving of future pardons. We can't precisely measure or quantify it; we need to do it because God said so.
Let us be willing to forgive because Christ has forgiven us, and hold on to the belief that more forgiveness is coming when we do. Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
To God be the glory for the blessing of forgiveness.
Thus, the need to restore fellowship with God is essential, and the way forward after a failure is to seek our Heavenly Father's forgiveness, which is why Jesus made it part of this prayer. He said in Matthew 6:12a, "and forgive us our sins..." The placement of this petition is noteworthy.
If the Lord's Prayer began with confession, we may become discouraged by our shortcomings. Instead, God, in His infinite wisdom, put this segment in the middle of the prayer because we begin by focusing on His goodness and rulership. After that, we are ready to come clean with our Heavenly Father humbly yet confidently! However, all of these prayers for forgiveness are for naught if we do not extend forgiveness to others. The second part of Matthew 6:12 says, "...as we also forgive those who sin against us."
Jesus is primarily saying that you can't ask the Father for forgiveness if you do not want to forgive others because that represents someone who does not understand the grace of God. In addition, Jesus told us to be merciful and that He would give us even more mercy. Forgiveness works similarly. Yes, all grace, mercy, and forgiveness are secured for us through the finished work of Christ on the cross. Still, God has built the ability to extend forgiveness within the dynamic of human relationships, and He has chosen to connect that to our receiving of future pardons. We can't precisely measure or quantify it; we need to do it because God said so.
Let us be willing to forgive because Christ has forgiven us, and hold on to the belief that more forgiveness is coming when we do. Ephesians 4:32, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you."
To God be the glory for the blessing of forgiveness.
Posted in Prayer
Recent
Archive
2024
January
Focus On FaithfulnessBe Faithful Where You Are NowFaithfulness Requires Patience God's Perfect FaithfulnessGod Blesses FaithfulnessStart Your Year In ChurchGod's Forecast Of Forgiveness Avoid Self-Pity You Can Overcome Distraction White As SnowJumpstart Your Health With FastingMaintain An Active Church Membership Your Most Important DecisionTake Ownership Of Unhealthy Choices
February
Take Notes When Reading The Bible Alternatives To AnxietyYou Need A SquadGod Has Super Bowls Of BlessingFocus On Obedience, Not the Odds We Accomplish More Together Kindness Is Good For Your HealthKindness Is Remembered And RewardedLoose Lips Sink CredibilityKind Words Promote HealingEvaluate All ExcusesTreat People RightComplaining Is Not HealthyLeap Forward In Your Faith
March
May
June
Praying About Panic and PainSurround Yourself With Good People God's Promise To Those Who WaitPrepared By Your PastProtect Your Torch Faith And Flag DayTrust God To ProvideReceiving The Father's BlessingPray Before Making DecisionsGod Is Our Mighty Fortress Carry One Another Remove Whatever Is Contaminating Your MindPray Early And Often Reverence For God's House Trust God For The Impossible What To Do In Times Of Trouble
2023
August
Good Decisions Require Discernment Live By God's PowerPraying For Real ComfortGetting In Rhythm With GodAvoid Self-Righteous PrayersKeep Your Promises With GodMercy Leads To HappinessAddress Any Self-Righteous AttitudesPraying With ConfidenceHow Does God See You?Turn Away From Whatever Gets You StuckStop Talking About Your ProblemsOur Prayers Reach God's EarsStress Management Starts In The MorningFollowing ChristNavigating The Darkness Of This World Measure God's PromisesLittle Light Of MineGet Your Priorities In OrderPraying Without Results Can Be ToughYou Can Overcome DoubtPray ContinuouslyRescue-Me Prayers Practice Inward KindnessTrust God's TimingSurrender My AgendaFocus On Being A River Rather Than A ReservoirGod's Gracious CoveringYou Are Never Out Of God's ReachSeek God With No Strings Attached
No Comments