Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us (Penny Cox)

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‘First go and be reconciled to them’

(Matthew 5:24)

I find it deeply encouraging that the “Your Kingdom Come” initiative is happening during this pandemic. Even though we are separated and distanced, God has made a way for Christians all over the globe to be brought together to raise his prayer to him.

Our togetherness matters to God. The very first word of the Lord’s Prayer is “Our”, not “My”, and the plurals continue throughout, “we”, “us”. Even when we say this prayer alone, we are uniting with our Christian family throughout the world and, I believe, throughout the ages. We join as one voice, praying the prayer that Jesus taught us 2000 years ago.

“so in Christ we who are many form one body, and each member belongs to all the others” (Romans 12:5)

Being one in Christ leaves no room for lingering disharmony or upset between us, forgiveness is the key to our togetherness. God knows that our independent and self-justifying nature makes forgiving others difficult for all of us. Amazingly God sacrificed his beloved son for us so that we can be forgiven by him. In turn, when we bring our hurt and pain to Jesus, Jesus gives us the grace to forgive others.

So, let’s not separate ourselves from each other through unforgiveness, or separate ourselves from God through lack of repentance. Instead let’s:

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32)

A prayer - Dear Jesus. Thank you that through your precious blood I can repent and be forgiven. Please help me to become more generous and forgiving to others. Show me the people in my life that I need to  forgive, and help me, through your grace, to do it. Amen.


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