And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:12

Forgive each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Ephesians 4:32

The way we expect to be forgiven doesn’t match how we forgive others.

"Please note: this isn’t saying that we forgive in order to earn God’s forgiveness."
— NT Wright

"Jesus has us directly link the grace we ask for to the grace we are willing to show toward others. Yikes! Every time we pray this prayer, we are both asking for forgiveness and hearing Christ’s call to forgive."
— Adam Hamilton

Bottom Line

We are to be a community of forgiven forgivers.

We are all in need of forgiveness.

For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God
Romans 3:23

If we say that we have no sin, we are deceiving ourselves and the truth is not in us.
1 John 1:8

Refusing to ask for God’s forgiveness involves carrying the weight of our sin.

Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them.
Psalm 32:1-6

If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous, so that He will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
1 John 1:9

The forgiveness you receive becomes the forgiveness you extend.

Refusing to extend forgiveness involves carrying the weight of bitterness.

Action Steps

Where do I need to ask for God’s forgiveness?‍

Most merciful God, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed, by what we have done, and by what we have left undone. We have not loved you with our whole heart; we have not loved our neighbors as ourselves. We are truly sorry and we humbly repent. For the sake of your Son Jesus Christ, have mercy on us and forgive us; that we may delight in your will, and walk in your ways, to the glory of your Name. Amen.

Where do I need to extend forgiveness to someone else?

Take a piece of paper and write out the truth of what happened and how it impacted you negatively. Bring that hurt and pain to Jesus. Be open to how Jesus might want to bring healing to your hurt. And then burn the piece of paper up as sign of letting it go.