Reflections

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

Matthew 6:12 (NIV)

Forgiveness is rarely easy, whether we’re on the giving or receiving end. On the receiving side, we have to agree that we’ve done something wrong. Sure, the other person may forgive us even if we don’t admit our sins. But, we won’t experience the freedom of being forgiven if we don’t think we’ve done anything wrong. Asking for forgiveness means swallowing our pride; and that’s not easy to do.

On the giving side, forgiveness is difficult because forgiving someone costs us something. Financially, forgiving a debt means that we no longer demand repayment; and that means we’re bearing the financial cost of that unpaid debt. Relationally, forgiving involves bearing the pain of the offense without requiring anything from the person who has offended us; and that’s not always easy to do.

Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

Matthew 6:10 (NIV)

Prayer can be dangerous. Ask God for patience, and He might give you the opportunity to practice it. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, and He may allow you to go through trials that will increase Your faith. Ask God to do His will on earth as it is in heaven, and you may find yourself displaced as the ruler of your own little kingdom.

Does that mean we shouldn’t pray as Jesus says, “Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven”? Absolutely not. But, it does mean that, when we pray for God’s will to be done, we should be ready for some excitement!

⁹ This, then, is how you should pray:

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,

¹⁰ your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.

¹¹ Give us today our daily bread.

¹² And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

¹³ And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.

For yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.

Matthew 6:9-13 (NIV)

Most people in the western hemisphere have at least a passing familiarity with The Lord’s Prayer. It’s recited each week in numerous churches, and many of us memorized it as children. The Lord’s Prayer is both familiar and comforting to many people. But, when Jesus first gave this prayer to His followers, they probably thought it was revolutionary.

¹⁶ All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, ¹⁷ so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Timothy 3:16-17 (NIV)

Many people approach the Bible as if it were simply a collection of rules and regulations, old stories, and inspiring poetry, little of which has much practical value for us in the 21st century. We read it because we’re supposed to read it, not because we expect to benefit from it. Fortunately, the Bible is anything but a book of out-dated literature. It’s quite relevant to us here and now.

The precepts of the Lord are right, giving joy to the heart. (Psalm 19:8a NIV)

Most people’s happiness usually depends on their circumstances. I’m happy when I’m healthy, my job pays well, and my relationships are fulfilling. But when my life isn’t going as planned, then I’m unhappy. What if we could live above our circumstances? That’s where joy enters the picture.

While our happiness often depends on our circumstances, true joy transcends our circumstances. Most of us don’t put the concept of happiness and a visit to the dentist in the same sentence. We go to the dentist because we know that the long-term benefit is worth the short-term discomfort. Similarly, we can experience joy in the most challenging situations even though we certainly wouldn’t say that we’re happy.