"Forgiveness"

 N.T.#565  "Forgiveness"

June 5, 2025 

Luke 11-Part 3 

And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil. (verse 4)

LET IT GLOW

Obviously, this is the example for the Christian to pay to our Heavenly Father. We have reverence for God's name, we yield and conform to His will, praying for it to be done here on earth, and ask for daily provisions.  

The next step in prayer, which Jesus spoke of is asking God to forgive our sins. 

Forgive is to send forth; lay aside; put away; leave.

Indebted is to be under obligation; owe; guilty.

We must confess that we are a sinner in order to be saved, to get to go to heaven. Since we have a sin nature, then we sin daily and need cleansing of our soul, God's forgiveness daily. This is how we continue our spiritual growth-by acknowledging our sin in particular. We are to seek forgiveness in the same way we forgive others, according to Matthew 6:12. And in turn, we are to forgive others for their sins they committed toward us.

Just as our bodies need food to survive, so our souls need nurturing-daily cleansing and feeding. We feed upon His Word, praise and thank God for everything, surrender to His will, seek forgiveness of our own sins. We grow in obedience and faith trusting in God. 

When we offend others, we need to ask their forgiveness, to. On the other hand, when one offends us, we should forgive them.

Jesus joined the request for God's forgiveness to our extending forgiveness to others. Truth is, we all deserve blame for harming and/or hurting someone else. In the same way that someone is indebted to us for wrongdoing we are indebted to God all the more!

[Resources: Liberty Bible Commentary; Swindoll's Living Insight on Luke]

LET IT GROW

The Lord does not lead us into compromising situations. The Greek phrase "lead us not" is saying, Do not permit us to be led into temptation. 

May we not succumb or yield to temptation to sin. Cause us not to give in to temptation. 

We know the One True God always leads away from temptation, and frequently against our will. We want to unity our will to God's will. 

Luke omitted what Matthew 6:13 ends with:

For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever. Amen. 

Our challenge is to pray like Jesus told us. We seek His mercy, forgiveness, guidance, and deliverance daily. 

LET IT GO

Lord, help us to let go of pride and self-dependance and turn to You for forgiveness of our sin.

We are sinners in need of a Savior today.

Use us in kingdom work, sharing Your love.

For Thin is the kingdom, the power, and the glory forever.