Debts, trespasses, sins … many of us have, over quite a time, possibly prayed these words in a version of The Lord’s Prayer. You can probably think of many other words which have “changed” to suit the times.
So … debts come to mind, as something we might owe … trespasses, we’ve gone somewhere the sign told us not to go … sins, we’ve done something wrong and hurt someone or something. Transgressions is another word in this context.
Forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. We all know that we are not perfect, and probably need to pray this petition each and every day, and maybe more than once!! Let’s face it! Forgiving others (and yourself) is sometimes easier said than done. But it doesn’t have to be. If we find ourselves feeling hurt by someone’s actions or overwhelmed with frustration over a situation, turn to the Bible for advice, where you will find many verses to help overcome the negative side effects from stress of such a situation on our mind, body, and soul.
Here are some Old Testament passages:
Psalm 32:1 (NIV): Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered.
Proverbs 17:9 (NLT): Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends.
Daniel 9:9 (NLT): The Lord our God is merciful and forgiving, even though we have rebelled against him.
Psalm 65:3 (NLT): Though we are overwhelmed by our sins, you forgive them all.
Isaiah 1:18 (NIV): Come now, let us settle the matter,” says the Lord. “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.
Psalm 103:11,12 (NLT): For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
And some from the New Testament:
Romans 12:17 (NLT): Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honourable.
Matthew 5:7 (NIV): Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.
Matthew 6:14 (NIV): For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
Romans 6:23 (NIV): For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.
And from Ephesians 2:8, the words painted in a scroll across the front wall in our church at Springton, SA: For by grace you have been saved through faith. (And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.)
It’s my prayer that some of the above verses will remind you of God’s own forgiveness and help you become better at forgiving as well.
God be with you always,
Grace
P.S. In recent times, many of us have come together for our state conventions. We’ve worshipped together, and enjoyed fellowship, we’ve been brought up-to-date with news from projects at national and state level that we support. The executive committees have prepared these days for our enrichment, and the hosts have shown their hospitality and care for us all. Thankyou to each and everyone for making these days so enjoyable and encouraging.
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