“As” – A Tiny Word That can Change our Lives

Every time we pray what we call “The Lord’s Prayer” we repeat the line, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” The words roll off our tongue without much thought. As I think about this sentence, the little word “as” stands out for me. Forgive “AS” we forgive.

We all need forgiveness. Every one of us makes the occasional mistake, thinks the occasional jealous, miserable thought. We can all sit in judgment of others. And of course, there are the collective sins that we incur as a society. We of this western part of the world all profit in many ways through the exploitation of our earth and of others. Yes, not one of us is perfect. We all need forgiveness. Of course, we need to pray “Forgive us our trespasses, sins, debts or whatever word we want to use.

Even though Jesus knew God’s forgiveness is unconditional and always available to us, he added as we forgive others. “AS,” such a little word, yet it is the vital, operative word in that sentence.

There is an old saying, “Be careful what you pray for. You may get it.” When we pray this sentence in the “Lord’s prayer,” we are actually asking God to forgive us the same way we forgive others. Oh dear! We know how hard it is to forgive, especially those who have hurt us deeply. To pray, Our Father…forgive us AS we forgive those who have sinned against us, is a scary prayer. We are saying to God, only give us as much forgiveness as we give forgiveness to others.

I believe that Jesus was pushing his followers, us included, to live what we believe. We want God to turn the other cheek, to give us another chance. As Jesus’ followers, that is our calling, too.

Every time we pray “The Lord’s Prayer”, we are calling ourselves to look carefully at our own lives, to name the people who have hurt us deeply, and forgive. Hanging on to the hurt is like taking poison ourselves and thinking it will hurt someone else. Forgive as we forgive. Yes, Jesus, help us to forgive, to let go of the baggage that brings harm only to us. Then when God forgives us we will be totally free.

One day Jesus was praying in a certain place. When he finished, one of his disciples said to him, “Lord, teach us to pray, just as John taught his disciples.”

(Luke 11:1 NIV)

Today’s Faith by Rev. Janet Stobie

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