Question 105: What do we pray for in the fifth petition?Answer: In the fifth petition, which is, "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors," we pray, That God, for Christ's sake, would freely pardon all our sins; which we are able to be rather encouraged to ask, because by his grace we are enabled from the heart to forgive others.
Dear Neighbor,
We should confess our sins to God in prayer and confess what we are holding in our heart against others. When we consider all that that God has done for us in forgiving our sins; then we realize that we cannot, nor should not hold a grudge against another. This is not to say that we should not hold others accountable but we should forgive.
Jesus said, Luke 17:3-4, “Be on your guard! If your brother sins, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him. And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent,’ forgive him.”
If someone sins, the believer is to show him his fault in private, and if he listens, then forgive him. However, if he does not listen, then take two or three others with you, if he listens to them, then forgive him. However, if he does not listen, tell it to the church, if he listens to the church, forgive him, but if he does not listen to the church, then stay away from him. (Mt. 18:15-17)
However, we are not to take vengeance, give your anger to God, God has said in his Word, VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” We are to be kind to all, even to those who sin against us. (Rom. 19:20) Just as God gives good things to both the righteous and the unrighteous, we are to be like our Father who is in heaven. (Mt. 5:43-48)
Confess your sins to God, trusting that all of your sins have been paid by the blood of Jesus Christ. Forgive what you harbor in your heart against those who have sinned against you. Give them to God and harbor no ill intent towards anyone.
Michael Peek
Your Servant for Jesus’ Sake
