VERSE:
Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
— Matthew 6:12

THOUGHT:
Jesus reminds us of the amazing grace of our God, who is willing to wipe our slate clean. Several chapters later in Matthew 18:21-35 Jesus gives an illustration of a servant who had an outstanding debt with his master that he could not pay. After pleading with the master, the servant’s debt was washed away. In today’s verse, Jesus assumes a prerequisite to approaching God for forgiveness when He said “forgive us… AS WE ALSO HAVE FORGIVEN…” The parable in Matthew 18 shows the terrible fate of the servant who wanted forgiveness from his master, but refused to give it to his fellow servants.

APPLICATION:
Come to God with boldness trusting Him to forgive all of your offense, while at the same time understanding that He calls you to forgive others in the same way.

PRAYER:
Heavenly Father, I thank you for your amazing grace. Forgive me of my debts, as I also forgive my debtors. In Jesus’ Name I pray, AMEN!