Me First
In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name. Your kingdom come. Your will be doneOn earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors.
There is a reason why Jesus told us to pray “and forgive us our debts” first. It is so much easier to offer forgiveness to others when we see what we have done that needs forgiven. I am not without error or sinned, not only against God, but against people. I have had to apply this numerous times if not daily to my life.
I used to make excuses for my behaviors, but that did not hold up in front of God. I used to say, “Did you see what they did…? If they hadn’t gone behind my back and done this…or if they hadn’t provoked me then I wouldn’t have done this or said that. It’s really their fault. They started it.” Did any of you have that particular conversation or something similar with God? It was back when He brought another Scripture to my attention.
Romans 3:10…There is no one righteous, no not one.” I have learned most of my reasoning and excuses will not hold up in front of my righteous Father. He sees into the depth of the situation and my heart. Then He asks me to take responsibility for my part.
I have to own up to what I have done regardless if I was provoked. I have to call on God to be my strength to prevent me from acting out when I am hurt. I have to offer grace because I know I have hurt people.
I know people have had to offer me grace, completely washing free of the yuck I spewed. Grace that doesn’t remember what I did or said. I may not have asked for it, but they gave it. Our relationship is not ruined because I had a “moment” of humanness. I am completely thankful for the grace others have extended to me over the years.
My Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name. Your kingdom come. Your will be one on earth as it is in heaven. Give me Your bread of life to meditate and transform me. I seek forgiveness for what I have said and done to hurt others. Even if I do not remember what I have done or said, I pray You would go to them and wash them clean from the yuck I spewed upon them. I do not want them to carry this any more. I pray they would release me and forget what I have done. I pray our relationship would be restored and we would be united to advance Your kingdom. I want to learn from my sin so I do not hurt another in the same way. I ask for You to come and bring change in mea and healing to those I have hurt in Jesus’ name amen.
A Warrior in the Lord’s Army,
Veridee Joy Hand
Matthew 6:9-12 In this manner, therefore, pray: Our Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your name.
Forgiveness is a choice. You and I have a decision to make. . We can choose to forgive or we can choose to not extend forgiveness.