Why is forgiving others integral to following Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer petition “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”?
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches his disciples to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” (Matthew 6:12). Unlike other petitions, Jesus expands on this one after the prayer ends, warning, “If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15). This shows the unique weight Jesus places on forgiveness.
Anthony Delgado emphasizes that forgiveness is not optional but integral to following Jesus. To pray this petition daily forces believers to confront their own need for mercy and their responsibility to extend it. Forgiveness is both a gift received from God and a gift given to others. Without it, discipleship becomes hollow. This article will explore why forgiving others is essential to following Christ, how it reflects the Gospel, and how it shapes the life of the church.
1. Forgiveness as Confession of Our Need
The first reason forgiveness is integral is because it begins with acknowledging our own debt before God.
Universal need: Romans 3:23 reminds us, “All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” No one prays this line as an exception.
Dependence on grace: Forgiveness depends not on our efforts but on God’s mercy in Christ. As 1 John 1:9 teaches, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive.”
Formation of humility: By daily confessing debts, believers are reminded that they stand before God only by grace.
This humility undergirds the rest of the prayer. To be forgiven teaches us to be forgiving. Gratitude for mercy received leads naturally to mercy extended.
2. Forgiveness as Conformity to Christ
The second reason forgiveness is integral is because it forms believers into the likeness of Jesus.
Jesus forgives at the cross: His words, “Father, forgive them” (Luke 23:34), echo the very petition he taught. Forgiveness is central to his mission.
Disciples imitate their Lord: Ephesians 4:32 commands, “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” To refuse forgiveness is to resist conformity to Christ.
Freedom from bitterness: Forgiveness frees us from the chains of resentment. It reorders affections so that love of righteousness replaces clinging to wrongs.
Forgiving others is not simply a moral duty—it is participation in Christ’s own life. By forgiving, we live out his pattern.
3. Forgiveness as Witness to the Gospel
The third reason is that forgiveness is a public testimony of the Gospel’s power.
God’s name vindicated: Ezekiel 36:23 says God will vindicate the holiness of his name, which was profaned among the nations. When believers forgive, they hallow God’s name by displaying his character.
Avoiding hypocrisy: Romans 2:24 warns that hypocrisy causes God’s name to be blasphemed. To receive mercy but withhold it is to live in contradiction.
Proclaiming reconciliation: Forgiveness shows the world what the kingdom of God looks like: enemies reconciled, sins released, and love prevailing over vengeance.
The petition itself is missionary. Every time the church prays these words, it announces to the world that God forgives and that his people forgive as well.
4. Forgiveness as Healing in Community
Forgiveness is also integral because it restores relationships and binds the church together.
Healing power: James 5:16 teaches, “Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” Forgiveness is part of the church’s health.
Breaking cycles of division: Churches fractured by grudges cannot bear witness to Christ’s unity. Forgiveness repairs what sin has broken.
Corporate identity: The Lord’s Prayer begins with “our.” Forgiveness is not just personal; it is communal. It sustains the fellowship of believers.
Without forgiveness, community crumbles. With forgiveness, the church becomes a visible sign of God’s reconciling kingdom.
5. Forgiveness as Anticipation of the Kingdom
Finally, forgiveness points forward to the kingdom of God.
Already-not-yet reality: The kingdom is breaking in now, but its fullness awaits. Forgiveness now anticipates the final day when sin and sorrow are no more.
Victory over evil: Forgiveness is spiritual warfare. It rejects the devil’s schemes of bitterness and division, pledging allegiance instead to Christ the King.
Preparation for eternity: Revelation 21:27 declares that nothing unclean will enter the new Jerusalem. Forgiveness prepares us for that reality by purifying hearts now.
Forgiving others is thus not only present obedience but future hope. It trains the church to live today as it will live forever.
Conclusion
Why is forgiving others integral to following Jesus in the Lord’s Prayer petition “forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”? Because forgiveness is the heart of discipleship. It confesses our need, conforms us to Christ, proclaims the Gospel, heals the church, and anticipates the kingdom.
Forgiveness is never easy, but it is always essential. It reflects the very mercy of God that sustains us. To pray this petition daily is to rehearse the Gospel: forgiven people forgiving others. In this way, the church lives as a family bound by grace, awaiting the day when forgiveness is no longer needed because sin is no more.
Bible Verses on Forgiveness in Prayer
“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12)
“If you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:15)
“All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” (Romans 3:23)
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins.” (1 John 1:9)
“Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32)
“Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed.” (James 5:16)
“The name of God is blasphemed among the Gentiles because of you.” (Romans 2:24)
“Nothing unclean will ever enter it, nor anyone who does what is detestable or false.” (Revelation 21:27)
“Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins.” (1 Peter 4:8)
