“And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors”

Meditation 5: “Debtors” is Social

This petition can seem very difficult. For since “all have sinned” (Rom 3:23) there are many debtors. Many people will hurt us and take things from us. But like God’s forgiveness, our forgiveness must be unearned. Thus Paul instructs us to forgive just as Christ (Eph 4:32).

This petition changes society. It should change our families, our churches and all of our relationships. We testify to gospel forgiveness when we forgive. We show Christ and His death to be real when we forgive and love one another (John 17:23).