When I was growing up in the 1970s we had glasses of milk at every meal. No one drank water except from the school water fountain. Milk was the standard.
Unfortunately it was often spilled at the dinner table. One evening my father got angry about this happening night after night during supper. He threatened that the next one to spill his milk would be spanked. That scared my brother, sister and me, so we were extra careful with our glasses. Then a glass of milk spilled. Dad got very upset! He had knocked over his own glass! During that supper it was very difficult to keep a straight face!
Lord Jesus taught us to pray, “Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12) Debts? Debtors?
Debts are what we owe someone when we “cross the line,” or sin against someone else, even God. We must ask their forgiveness. In return, we must forgive others who “cross the line.” At some time, we will all spill our milk!
This forgiveness keeps relationships intact. This is important for unity in the body of Christ. It is important for our relationship with God.
God takes the debts against Himself and against others, sin, upon repentance, and throws them away into the sea. (Micah 7:19) They are not dredged up, but left alone, submerged from view.
Neither are we to bring up others’ past sins.
Forgiveness of others’ sin, debts, and the like, is for our own good. It is good for the soul. Without it, the root of bitterness develops, and roots are difficult to pull up. Roots are buried under ground and have grown deep and developed. They are unseen. God exposes roots to help us get them out and for us to apply forgiveness.
These roots of bitterness have caused many to leave the church, just as it caused many to leave the worship of God and turn to idol worship. Just one can lead others away. (Deuteronomy 29:18; Hebrews 12:15)
Sin is either thrown into the sea, out of sight by God upon forgiveness OR it becomes buried and unseen by us, growing deeper roots until God exposes it, it divides us, or it kills us. (Romans 6:23) God asks us to trust Him and forgive others as many times as necessary. Do it, for yourself.
(Matthew 18:21-22) “Then Peter came and said to Him, ‘Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.’”
Forgiveness is the standard.
Who do you need to forgive?
(C) 2020 Kelly Jadon