“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 6:14-15 NIV

A glorious sunrise is like forgiveness; when we are forgiven it is a brand new day.

Jesus taught His disciples to pray. He taught them a prayer that we call The Lord’s Prayer. In the prayer, it talks about forgiveness. The verses above come just after this prayer in the Bible.

The Lord’s Prayer

“Our Father in heaven,

Hallowed by 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.”    Matthew 6:9-13 NIV

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

Amen     (Many churches add this last part as a closing.)

Jesus also is teaching us how to pray! But after the prayer, He tells His disciples, and us, that we must also forgive those who say or do things to hurt us. Just as our Father God forgives us when we confess our wrongdoing and ask for His forgiveness. And He always forgives us.

When we forgive, we are not saying that what that person did is ok. We are simply choosing to stop feeling angry or wanting to “get back” at that person for their actions. We are choosing to let go of our bad feelings and not bring it up to them again. This is what Jesus tells us. It isn’t always easy, and sometimes we have to ask Jesus to help us.

But understand that if someone hurts you, you should always tell your parents. It helps to talk to your parents, and they can help you figure out what to do and how to forgive.

This week remember that we all do things from time to time that hurt others. We say things that hurt others, or we don’t do what we say we will, or we lie. If you need forgiveness from someone, tell them (confess) you are sorry and ask for forgiveness. If you need to forgive someone else, accept their apology and forgive so that your Father in heaven will also forgive you when you ask Him.

Also, this week try to memorize the Lord’s Prayer. Your parents can help you. Sometimes when we don’t know exactly what to tell God or what to pray for, this prayer that Jesus gave us works. And God will know your heart’s desire without you even saying it.

Blessings as you forgive and are forgiven!