SAINTS JOHN FISHER AND THOMAS MORE, MARTYRS (OPT. MEMORIAL)
. . . as we forgive those who trespass against us.
Forgive those who trespass against us? That’s hard—especially when someone won’t even acknowledge that they’ve done anything wrong. It’s more natural to want to keep a tally of injustices done to us or to hold onto hurt feelings. Yet in the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus teaches the disciples, and us, to ask God to forgive us in the same way we forgive those who hurt us.
Yes, it can be hard. Very hard at times. But by the example of his life, Jesus shows us what a forgiving heart looks like. He must have endured countless slights and misunderstandings over the course of his life, but he never held a grudge. He never became resentful. When religious leaders accused him of driving out demons “by the prince of demons” (Matthew 9:34), he didn’t defend himself. He simply went to another village to teach and heal. When his own disciples didn’t understand him, he patiently explained, step-by-step, what he was trying to tell them (16:6-12).
Jesus never dwelled on any of the injuries he suffered. He even went so far as to forgive those who crucified him—even as they mocked him (Luke 23:34)! There is no more perfect example of forgiveness than Jesus himself.
Jesus can inspire us to try to be more like him. But he’s not just our model. He’s also the One who can make our hearts more forgiving. He always offers us grace to bear insults or ridicule without resentment. He provides us with patience when we face annoyance or frustration. Even when a wrong done to us seems too heavy, when the pain of betrayal or abandonment washes away our goodwill, Jesus can gently move our hearts to at least be open to forgive.
As you pray the Lord’s Prayer today, focus on forgiveness. Certainly, ask your heavenly Father to forgive you. But ask him as well for the grace and strength to forgive those who have trespassed against you, just as his Son did.
“Jesus, thank you for forgiving me freely, completely, and wholeheartedly!”
2 Corinthians 11:1-11
Psalm 111:1-4, 7-8
Matthew 6:7-15
WORD AMONG US