It's That Middle Line That Gets Me

The Lord's Prayer.  It is beautiful.  It is the words that Jesus shared with his disciples when they asked him how they should pray.  When I think back to my school days...when I wasn't suspended...I remember that we used to say that prayer every day before we started our educational endeavors.  It would be great if we still did.  Putting God first is of utmost importance.  

The one part that always gets me is right in the middle.  "Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us," is how it reads.  It is more than poetry.  It is a somber reminder of all the sins that God freely has forgiven in our lives.  It is a spiritual warning to make sure that we are not holding onto grudges against others.  It is a tough thing to do...forgive others and treat them as if they haven't done anything wrong...but it is what God requires.  He did that for us.  We need to do it for others.

Going to someone and humbly asking for forgiveness is scary.  You might not want to do it.  The person might not forgive you.  Things can go wrong, but on the other side of it you will be set free.  The negativity of unforgiveness will be gone!  Your chains will be broken and you will be able to more readily accept the forgiveness of the Father for your own transgressions! 

Heavenly Father, thank you for your forgiveness.  You are so amazing in your ability to cast away our sins.  Help us to forgive, forget, and love just like you do.  In your precious son's name Jesus I pray, amen.

Fire Student Ministries Youth Group meets Sunday evenings at 6:00 at the First Southern Baptist Church in Dodge City. Come experience the Fire Café, great music, supper (or dinner, depending on what you call it!), fellowship, and games. First Southern Baptist Church is located at 3106 North 14th Avenue.