Forgive…As We Forgive

Matthew 6:12 “And forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.”

One of the main messages of Jesus was forgiveness and reconciliation. In a world where vengeance and revenge were the norm, he taught love, mercy, and grace. It was message needed in the first century just as much as it’s needed today. Forgiveness is about letting go of bitterness and anger so that we can be in right relationship with each other and with God. Forgiveness is about accountability and taking the first step to apologize for our hurtful actions. Forgiveness is about freedom to live an abundant life.

Adam Hamilton says, “Forgiveness is both a choice and a process. This is true in accepting it for yourself, as well as in practicing it towards others. Jesus links God’s forgiveness with our forgiveness of others. In a sense, we cannot fully accept God’s forgiveness when we continue to hold on to our anger or bitterness towards others.” As we continue our series on the Lord’s Prayer, we will explore the many characteristics of forgiveness from the example set by Jesus.