Luk 11:4aAnd forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. …
Forgiveness is the centerpiece of Christianity. That fact is that we have all sinned and were justly condemned, and that without hope. It is only by the mercy of God and the forgiveness purchased by Jesus Christ on the cross that we are brought into right relationship with God. This forgiveness is our only hope. Our whole future and eternity rests on this forgiveness. Notice in this prayer that Jesus taught us that our forgiveness is in proportion to how we forgive. Forgiveness is hard, unless we remember that all that we enjoy and hope for rests on our forgiveness, and our forgiveness is measured by how we forgive others. Forgive fully and freely, just as you desire to be forgiven.