“And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us” Lord’s Prayer, Sixth Petition

We pray to the Father to “forgive us our trespasses” and our comfort is to know that we are forgiven our sins. Then it is up to us to “forgive those who trespass against us” and this is not so easy to always do in the way that we should.

Sometimes we believe in our hearts that a person has let us down badly, betrayed us or caused us a great injustice and deeply hurt our feelings, and it pains and worries us. The person causing us this concern could be a very close friend or even a blood relation and we should think and pray quickly otherwise we may lose their friendship forever or never see them again.

We should constantly remind ourselves that we too are not perfect and daily say and do the wrong things. Likewise for “those who trespass against us”, by daily praying the prayer that Jesus taught us, that anger is taken away and that prevents it turning to hatred.

Life after all never runs smoothly all of the time and the forgiveness that we pray in our hearts and minds will restore the peace and calm that we yearn for and need. Then and only then can we look forward and move on.

Thank You Lord for forgiving and forgiveness. Amen.