Devotional #126

Question 126. Which is the fifth petition?

Answer: “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors”; that is, be pleased for the sake of Christ’s blood, not to impute to us poor sinners, our transgressions, nor that depravity, which always cleaves to us (a); even as we feel this evidence of thy grace in us, that it is our firm resolution from the heart to forgive our neighbour (b).

(a) Psalm 51:1-7: Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!  For I know my transgressions, and my sin is ever before me. Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight, so that you may be justified in your words and blameless in your judgment. Behold, I was brought forth in iniquity, and in sin did my mother conceive me. Behold, you delight in truth in the inward being, and you teach me wisdom in the secret heart. Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean; wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow.
Psalm 143:2: Enter not into judgment with your servant, for no one living is righteous before you.
1 John 2:1-2: My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous. He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.
Romans 8:1: There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.

(b) Matthew 6:14-15: For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

For your personal reflection
There are no real Christians who are unforgiving.  It’s that simple.  Yes, there may be some called “Christians” – but to have been forgiven and remain unforgiving is an impossibility.  Why?  Because to receive forgiveness from God is to receive the Holy Spirit.  When the Holy Spirit dwells in our heart, renewing us, He produces within us the character of Christ – who is forgiving.  Does this mean that forgiveness is easy?  Not at all.  Forgiveness is costly, just look at the cross.
Does God wait for us to forgive before He forgives?
How does your forgiveness of others offer you an assurance that your faith is genuine?