“Forgive Other People

When They Sin Against You”

“And when you pray, do not be like the hypocrites, for they love to pray standing in the synagogues and on the street corners to be seen by others. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. But when you pray, go into your room, close the door and pray to your Father, who is unseen. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you. And when you pray, do not keep on babbling like pagans, for they think they will be heard because of their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.

“This, then, is how you should pray: “‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name, your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us today our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.’

For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.

Matthew 6:5-15

On November 19, 1863 President Lincoln delivered the Gettysburg Address. Many of us know the address, having memorized it in our youth. Today it is often quoted.

Words do not have to be many to be meaningful. What we call the Lord’s Prayer is among the shortest and most memorable of all the teachings of Jesus. It brings help and healing, as it reminds us that God is our heavenly Father whose power is at work on earth, just as it is in heaven. He provides food, forgiveness, and fortitude for each day. And all honor and glory belong to Him. There is nothing in our past, present, and future that is not included in our Lord’s brief words that help and heal.

Kind words smooth, and quiet, and comfort the hearer.

Our Daily Bread – January 7, 2014