Introduction

This week’s sermon examines Matthew 6:12 and the profound theme of forgiveness as illustrated in “The Lord’s Prayer.” The pastor draws a parallel between financial debt and spiritual debt, underscoring the significance of grace and forgiveness in our lives. He shares a personal story of debt forgiveness and explores how Jesus teaches us to

with intentionality, emphasizing the importance of both acknowledging our own

Reveal Answer

and forgiving others.

Understanding Our Debt to God

• In Matthew 6:12, the Greek word for “debts” is “opheilēma,” meaning “
  Reveal Answer
  ,” highlighting the weight of our sin in the context of our relationship with God.

• Ephesians 2:1-5 reminds us that we deserved
  Reveal Answer
  and eternal separation from God, but through His love, we have been made
  Reveal Answer
  .

“But because of His great love for us, God… made us alive!” —Ephesians 2:4-5

Additional Notes:

---

Extending Forgiveness to Others

• Jesus teaches that we must forgive others as we have been forgiven. This concept is reflected in the instruction to forgive our
  Reveal Answer
  .

• Forgiveness does not mean the absence of
  Reveal Answer
  ; rather, it encourages the release of the emotional burden while maintaining healthy boundaries.

“A good marriage is the union of two good

Reveal Answer

.” —Ruth Graham

Additional Notes:

---

The Healing Power of Forgiveness

• Holding onto
  Reveal Answer
  can result in increased depression, anxiety, and strained relationships, whereas forgiveness leads to healthier
  Reveal Answer
  , reduced stress, and improved mental health.

• Corrie ten Boom’s story of forgiveness towards a former Nazi guard exemplifies the transformative power of releasing the weight of unforgiveness.

“I have been forgiven such a tremendous debt; how could I stand here and not forgive him?” —Corrie ten Boom

Additional Notes:

---

Conclusion

In conclusion, forgiveness is vital to our prayer life and our relationship with God, reminding us of the

of our own forgiven debt. We are called to be grace givers, embracing a posture of reliance on God and extending forgiveness to others even when it seems undeserved. Let us reflect on our own lives and seek to let go of burdens we’ve carried too long, allowing God’s grace to release us and help heal our relationships.

---

Reflection Questions

What parallels can you draw between your own experiences with financial debt and spiritual debt? How does recognizing this help you understand God’s forgiveness?

Identify a person or situation in your life where you are struggling with forgiveness. What steps can you take towards releasing that burden?

Reflect on a past experience where you successfully forgave someone. What positive changes did you observe in your heart and relationships? How can this inspire your current journey?