Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Forgive us our debts

The Lord's prayer says "... forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors." Various translation refers to the word "debt" as "sins, trespasses, or wrong doings". This verse reminds me of the parable of the man whose debts were written off by his master, yet he very quickly turns around and demands payment from another servant who owes him some money. How often we feel justified in demanding restitution for a mistake done against us. If only we can practice humility more often, and work together to rectify a mistake, it would be much more pleasant all around for everybody. The next time a cashier gives you wrong change, or a waiter brings you a wrong order, think of the Lord's prayer. How about if somebody knocks your car and you are not in the wrong? Or if a workshop repairs your car and it is still not running well? Or somebody makes a false accusation? "Forgive us our debts (wrong doings), as we forgive our debtors (those that do wrong against us) ..... "

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