There are many laws in this world. Man has written volumes and volumes and volumes of laws. Our Lord has given us one volume of laws, and it supersedes all the others. Many of the Lord’s laws seem to be natural; e.g., what you sow, you will reap. This law certainly applies in the natural world.

In fact it is a very important law for the Christian. Not only do you reap what you sow, but you reap based upon how much you sow. “For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.” – Luke 6:38.

What is known as the Lord’s Prayer was given as an example in Matthew 6:9-13, and in response to the Disciples request in Luke 11:1-4. It is frequently described as the Model Prayer. But we repeat it from memory, by rote, and there is a danger there. We say the words but often without taking to heart their meaning.

The words we speak are important. Note how the Lord turned the words of the Children of Israel back against them in Numbers 14:28-29. They had said, “The Lord brought us out of Egypt to die in the desert,” and the Lord declared that unbelieving generation would, in fact, die in the desert.

In the Lord’s Model Prayer is the phrase, “forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.” Immediately following this prayer, the Lord Jesus gave us further explanation in Matthew 6:14-15. God is gracious and forgiving, but if we do not forgive others, He will not forgive us. So when we repeat the Lord’s Prayer, we say, “forgive us just as we forgive others,” and there is the danger. We have asked for our much-needed forgiveness on the same basis that we forgive others. And the Lord will comply. This is closely related to the Lord’s natural law of reaping what and how much we sow. We are forgiven based upon the forgiveness we “sow.”

Therefore, it is more than necessary that we forgive others, it is essential. I pray that you will review those hurts and grudges and disagreements in your life. Forgive those who have hurt you and sinned against you, so that your forgiveness and joy may be complete. And may our loving and forgiving Heavenly Father receive all the praise and glory.