Matthew 6:12 “… and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
Language changes throughout the years, and what a word meant when it was penned can be different in today’s world. Such is the case with the words “debts” and “debtors.” Today these words represent financial obligations and the people who are responsible for those payments. Using a language study aide that explains the original meaning of words is very helpful. It allows me to make current day application. Also knowing what the balance of scripture says about a specific subject is also critical for correct interpretations. However for this Vida, these words are rather straightforward. ‘Opheilema,’ can mean a debt that is strictly due, or an offense, or trespass which requires reparation. A similar word ‘Paraptomata’ meaning to fall by the wayside, error, mistake, or wrongdoing is used in verse 14 in a similar context and translated trespass, “If you forgive men their trespass, your Father in Heaven will also forgive yours.” So in the same chapter we have three words, ‘debts, debtors and trespass’ used in the same context, that of forgiveness.
In the book of Luke, Luke records the same prayer as Matthew, but instead uses the Greek word “Hamartia” for debt. Which when translated means ‘to miss the mark, sin, missing the true end and scope of one’s life,’ – which from a Biblical perspective, is to know The Lord. The use of this word is found in archery. The goal of archery is to hit the bullseye, when that is missed, its Hamartia, ‘the mark has been missed.’ It also has a second definition which means “that action was taken to purposely violate a known law.” So in defining debt, debtors or trespass, all three of these definitions are used. My opinion and reading seems to suggest that the full range of “sins,” be it ” I didn’t know that this was wrong (unintentional), or “I’m sorry that I lost my temper” (inherent weakness/ being human), or ” I knew fully it was wrong and I did it anyways,” is all part of forgiveness. So whatever the sin, unintentional due to human weakness, or planned and calculated, if someone seeks forgiveness through genuine repentance, we are to forgive.
Wait, is that the correct interpretation, does that sound right? Is that what The Lord teaches, or is that our interpretation? There is no mention of repentance from the offending party in either verse. The context of the verse is me seeking forgiveness for my sins from God – which is granted by me forgiving others first. There is no mention of anyone else. This is a prayer between God and I. So the first question is how can I forgive if he or she has not repented? Go back two thousand years, to the Cross, and what were some of Christ’s last words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do,” some of the greatest words that were ever spoken, revealing to us the “inner chamber of the heart of God.” Were you there to ask for forgiveness? I know I wasn’t, yet the scriptures teach that for once and for all, all sin, past, present and future was atoned for, or nailed to the Cross, as the God/Man Savior died for our sins. So there is no qualification required to forgive someone else, we forgive because we have been forgiven.
What if we are unable to forgive, what then? This is a God question, only God knows your heart and the extent of the pain. However, know this, His pain in receiving ALL OF OUR SINS as He stood there nailed to the Cross, was beyond anyone’s comprehension, and He did it because He loved us. As the verse says “…not that we loved Him, but that He loved us and gave up His life as a ransom (pay back) for ours sins. (Paraphrased 1 John 4:8-10) “The ‘Just One’ for the unjust, so that we may be afforded eternal life.” So now ask yourself, can I now forgive? Two things happen when we forgive. I release all the poison that has been churning in me, damaging me both spiritually, emotionally and physically. That is a bondage of great weight, and it is lifted through my willingness to forgive. Secondly, I also enable God to forgive me, which He has been so desirous to do. And as we forgive others and seek forgiveness from Him, it enables Him to forgive our sins. So it is true that we have been forgiven at the Cross, but the “application” of that forgiveness happens when we forgive others. It is the same therefore with us. We are to forgive our neighbor, spouse, parent or co- worker, keeping it from festering in our heart, thereby keeping our union intact with the Lord. However the actual application – that of restoring the relationship back to fellowship, is when they seek forgiveness, thereby restoring the friendship. We have been called to live in liberty, holding on to offenses is anything but that. There is no offense, though it may be difficult, that would ever justify severing our relationship to The Lord – He is the essence of Life itself.
Father God,
I can only imagine the difficulty of receiving this teaching for some today. I pray for them, that they could deeply understand this devotional, not only from their perspective, but from Yours. You as the Sacrificial Lamb, that received in full the sins of all humanity so that we could be saved and have peace and union with You; granting us the certainty of salvation as the immeasurable gift you offer. Let us not allow any offense, however painful, prevent us from this. Thank you and Amen
Move Forward in His Grace – Arthur