Forgiving Trespasses
The Father desires of us to forgive “the offense, to send it away, (and) to reject it” (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary) people their trespasses or those that “commit any offense or to do any act that injures or annoys another” (Noah Webster 1828 Dictionary). We are to act “leaving them and letting them go” (Matthew 6:14-15 AMPC). We must not “bear no malice, nor mediate revenge” (Matthew Henry Commentary), and pray to God the strength to forgive — “The Strength to Love” (title of book by Martin Luther King, Jr.). If we do not forgive we in turn are “unqualified for pardon” of our own trespasses. Not forgiving or in essence “If we pray in anger, we have reason to fear God will answer in anger” (Matthew Henry Commentary). Thus, we must find a way to pray aright and to seek God for answers if and when we seek justice for trespasses.
14 For if you forgive people their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses. Matthew 6:14-15 AMPC (Amplified Bible, Classic Edition)
Brenda A. McGee has attended New York Theological Seminary in New York, NY, and Fuller Theological Seminary in Pasadena, CA as a Master of Divinity student.