Luke 11:4 A Dangerous Request

“Forgive us our sins, for we also forgive everyone who sins against us. And lead us not into temptation.” Luke 11:4

The disciples asked Jesus to teach them how to pray, so Jesus gave them a model type of prayer. Part of it said that the person is to ask God to forgive them, just as or because he forgives everyone himself.

This prayer that Jesus gave the disciples has become known as “the Lord’s prayer.” Many people and churches pray this prayer on a regular basis. There is a Christian radio station that does this prayer on the radio everyday at noon.

Since Jesus taught this model of prayer, it has to be a good prayer to make. However, many people probably pray it without really thinking about what this prayer says or asks.

In this prayer it asks God to forgive them, just as or because they forgive others that sin against them.

This brings up the real question: do people forgive others?

Everyday people are being hurt by others. Some hurt them on purpose, while others do it by accident. These hurts are sins against another person. Many people, not only in the world, but also in the church, are not willing to forgive that person who hurt them. Grudges and vengeance is held against that person.

Many churches and church families have been split because of anger against someone who has hurt them. Harsh judgement is called down upon people who have harmed someone or it did wrong. Chances for restoration and forgiveness are very slim.

Families, that call themselves Christians, are split up because of sins against each other. Divorce, fights, abandonment, and vengeance occur because people are sinned against. The anger sits in the heart for years, often for life. People are hurt and are unwilling to forgive. There are some ‘Christian’ believers who hold hatred for a past hurt for decades, because they are unwilling to forgive.

If every believer was to really pray this prayer from their heart, how many would God actually be able to forgive if He forgives as they forgive?

You have to examine your own life before you make this prayer. Are you willing to do what this prayer asks? Have you done what you would say with saying this prayer?

Be willing to forgive others, just as Christ Jesus has been willing to forgive you. Allow God to forgive you.

I pray today that you will have the love for others as God had for you; that you will forgive others as Jesus forgave you; that God will strengthen you to release all past hurts and pains; and that you will live for God all the days of your life.