Free from Guilt and Unforgiveness

“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.”
Matthew 6:12 (NIV)

Do you ever feel like there is a wall between you and God? 

Two things can hinder your relationship with God: unconfessed sin and unforgiveness. But Jesus teaches you how to be right with God and resolve bitterness toward others.

Today’s verse is part of what is commonly known as The Lord’s Prayer, which begins with adoration and praise and moves into petition, or asking for your needs. Verse 12 says, “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12, NIV) 

When Jesus uses the word “debt,” what does He mean? A debt means that you owe something; you’ve made withdrawals and now you need to pay up. When it comes to sin, you have thought and behaved in ways that violate God and His ways. 

Your sin exacts a high price. Its “wages”, according to Romans 6:23, is death. When you sin, it “pays you back” with death. In other words, sin costs you your life. So how can you give your life as a payment? God could allow your death to pay your debt. But instead, He gave His son’s life as a gift to pay your debt. 

When you ask God to forgive you, you remember that He has canceled a debt you could not pay. What happens when you remember this? You recognize that you must also cancel the debt others have incurred against you. 

Jesus tells you that God's forgiveness of you and your forgiveness of others go hand in hand. This is the only phrase of the Lord’s Prayer that Jesus reemphasizes, “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV)

When you pray this verse of the Lord’s Prayer, you can be healed of both guilt and bitterness. Confess your sin before God and receive forgiveness. Instead of holding a grudge, you can forgive and experience peace. 

Finding it hard to forgive? Remember that forgiveness does not mean the wrong doesn’t matter. It means you don’t hold it against them. They don’t owe you anything. 

You don’t do this alone–your ability to forgive flows from God’s forgiveness of you. 

God is not a frustrated creditor–He’s your good Father who delights in His children. He has canceled your debt with His limitless abundance. And He gives you the power to release others. 

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for your unreserved forgiveness. I praise You for Your Word that guides my prayer. Thank You for releasing me from guilt and bitterness when I confess my sin and forgive others. Help me remember how You’ve forgiven me. May I be willing to forgive others the same way–without reservation. In Jesus’ Name and for His Sake, Amen.