And forgive us our debts … Matthew 6:12
The only person that can forgive a debt is the one to whom it is owed. Our request for forgiveness reveals our desperate need. It recognizes a debt we are unable to pay on our own.
When we come to saving faith, we ask God’s forgiveness by confessing and repenting of our sins. Why then are we taught to continue to ask for forgiveness? Was it not enough?
We received positional forgiveness, justification, as believers. Our sins are forgiven and paid for. But we continue to sin – and by bringing forward our unceasing debts, we address a relational issue, sanctification. The ongoing repentance invites the Spirit to continue His work in and through, us as we draw near to Him.
I am also reminded of more than my sin debt. I owe God a debt of gratitude, I owe Him my allegiance and obedience, I owe Him sole praise and glory, I owe Him my time and talents, indeed I owe Him my very life as a living sacrifice. And as His people, we need forgiveness of our failures as a community – to love, to seek justice and act mercifully.
Just as I ask for my essential bread, I am reminded to seek Him daily for forgiveness of sins. May it also prompt me to consider the ways I have fallen short in giving Him what He is due so that I can repent. And may we, the Church, together seek forgiveness regularly for our debts.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9
In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of His grace, Ephesians 1:7
