LESSONS IN PRAYER # VI – FORGIVENESS AND PRAYER

In continuation of the “Lessons in Prayer” let us study further, the words of our LORD. It is a bit odd and strange, that the Jesus chose to teach about forgiveness, immediately after the LORD’s Prayer. I am sure it was intentional, and not incidental – “14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15

The LORD brought in forgiveness because, it is closely tied with prayer. Let us see what the Word of God has to speak on this subject.
1- “​1 “Judge not, that you be not judged. 2 For with what judgment you judge, you will be judged; and with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Matthew 7:1-2
2- 37 “Judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven;” – Luke 6:37
3- 25 “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. 26 But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father in heaven forgive your trespasses.” – Mark 11:25-26
4- ’32 And be ye kind one to another, tender-hearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:32
5- “13 Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” – Colossians 3:13

Forgiveness is a very important virtue for us, as disciples, because, it closely and clearly displays God’s heart and His desire, working in our lives. When we forgive others, we are demonstrating visibly, our allegiance and our obedience in following the footsteps of our LORD, Master and Redeemer. Nothing can come close to forgiveness, in displaying our allegiance and obedience to our LORD. Therefore, let us not be merely hearers, but rather, be doers of the Word – James 1:22-25.