The above sentence in the model prayer of Jesus, given in the context of the Sermon on the Mount, is well known. Many English versions have retained the word debts for wrong or sin. The New English Bible uses wrong, but the reference is to sin (wrong related to God and mankind). One is to pray that he or she will be forgiven to the same degree the praying person is willing to forgive. Unwilling to forgive, the person is praying that forgiveness will also be denied to him or her. To paraphrase the request: Forgive me Lord, to the degree that I am willing to forgive. Or, to shift the emphasis: Do not forgive me Lord if I am unforgiving of those who do me wrong. The gift of forgiveness asks for the attitude of forgiveness. There is mutuality. This is a major issue.
Forgiveness is a key to understanding Christianity, and a shortcut to some problem solving. Virtually all other religions are related to systems of personal works by the humble devout – to do enough good, to offer sufficient sacrifice, to accept unusual suffering, to perform various religious rites. These will, according to merit religion, qualify the person for whatever reward/award is available after death. Patterns of works, if they are constructive, are not denigrated, and may befit restitution. Forgiveness for us is without spiritual force unless accompanied with an attitude of forgiveness. Recovery cannot be earned or paid for. For Christians it is a gift, freely given and passed on. Even immortality is an award arising out of God’s forgiveness – a love/grace factor.
Even without considerations of heaven and future hope, persons can learn, through a common grace available to all persons, that forgiveness has its own virtue. Those who practice it are at distinct advantage. Studies show that forgiving persons are likely to have moderated blood pressures and stress hormone levels; have less pain, depression and anger; have fewer relapses in substance abuse programs; and, have higher quality of life in various situations. Studies also suggest that there are those who, even knowing about the benefits of forgiveness for themselves, cannot bring themselves to forgive. Such persons may transfer their negatives, even bitterness, to others. For example, persons who cannot forgive others for ill treatment may transfer their negative feelings to their mates or children. Forgiveness and bitterness are dynamics in life.
Persons gaining and learning forgiveness presently are more willing to forgive in the future when forgiveness is again needed; are more likely to experience decline in hurt feelings; feel better assisting offenders to better things; and, gain reduction in symptoms of stress with an increase in positive emotions. Anger declines: peace rises. Jesus made clear that his followers were to be persons of love. An evidence of love was found in the attitude and application of forgiveness. To give credence to forgiveness, Christ chose to accept all suffering related to wrong-doing – ill treatment, injustice, murder, or other actions of persons destructive to mankind and violating God’s nature. The only requirement related to this largess is to accept the gift of God in forgiveness, and to practice the uses of forgiveness in relation to all persons with whom the individual has to do. Christians are expected to give to others, in good will and freely, what God gives to them. Mankind does not have sufficient virtue, no matter how much we accomplish in devotion and personal achievement, to erase the personal problem related to depravity. A forgiving person, even if not a Christian, has figuratively touched the hem of the robe of Christ. During the years of the new century in America, the general news has noted on numerous occasions the discovery of many citizens about the benefits of forgiveness. *Mark W. Lee, Sr. — 2016, 2020