Matthew 6:9-13 (NIVUK)
9 ‘This, then, is how you should pray:
‘“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 today our daily bread.
12 And forgive us our debts,
as we also have forgiven our debtors.
13 And lead us not into temptation,
but deliver us from the evil one.”
This is probably the most famous passage featuring forgiveness in the Bible. In it, Jesus places forgiveness in the heart of our spiritual and prayer life, and makes a clear connection between our being forgiven and our willingness to forgive others. Our outward relationship with others reflects our inward relationship with God. Receiving his grace leads to our showing grace. John makes a similar link when he asks if we really love God if we do not love our neighbours, the neighbours that God made and loves and made in his image.
Father, soften my heart so I’m quick to treat others as I’d have you treat me.
Leave a Reply