In America, we are a nation of debtors. In the ancient world, debt was a matter of life and death. Prisons were places where debtors would be sent. Foolish people would go into increasing amounts of debt, bringing along their spouse and children. In light of this, debt brings to mind anxiety. God's answer to that was redemption. Someone would agree to come alongside you to forgive the debts.

"Debts" is a strange word. In Hebrew there are eight different words for "sin", and one of them is translated debts. In more recent days, this is where we get the phrase, "The borrower is a slave to the lender."

Pastor Mike Patz continues this segment on the Lord's Prayer in the School of Jesus series by reading Matthew 6:9-15.So, why do we need to pray, "forgive us our debts?" Why do we even need to continue to pray for things that have already been forgiven? Religious, or churchy people functually feel like the debt has never been paid. The longer you live like that the more your life will be destroyed. Jesus brings the picture brilliantly, "forgive us our debts!"

The ripple effects of sin vary. Some are small, and others are much larger, weighing you down. Sins of thought, sins of the mouth, debts of deed... Lies, gossip, looking lustfully, greed. Unforgiveness will weigh you down in this life and destroy you in the next. When one has sins on their account, it weighs them down.

When we come to God admitting our sins of omission and commission, we are able to let go of the guilt of sin. Daily praying "Search me and know me" brings the lightness of heart that we need. Forgiveness sets us free in this life and prepares us for the next. Praying "forgive us our debts" allows you to be free of sin in this life, and eternal life to come.

Jesus' prayer is genius! In the same breath He shows us that forgiving others brings freedom to us. The evidence of forgiveness in my life is my willingness to forgive others. Never forget how much we have been forgiven. Jesus gave His life so we can be loved much.

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