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the challenge

Matthew 6:14
"For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:"

This is the verse immediately following the Lord’s Prayer. Think of this as the footnote to the Lord's Prayer. It's incredible news that GOD forgives you and me. Hallelujah! On one condition. That we forgive the people who do wrong against us. Jesus says we should forgive even if the offense is committed seventy times seven times! When someone asks forgiveness, we are to kindly pardon their offense. If they do not ask for forgiveness, yet we are still to treat them friendly; not to harbor malice, not to speak ill of them. And, be ready to forgive in the event they ask for it.

This ratchets up the intensity of the Lord's Prayer. Making it an even MORE powerful expression of praise and worship to God, acknowledging His sovereignty, provision, and love. His presence and guidance in our lives is very real and an extreme challenge. 

As it should be. Forgiveness is a GREAT GIFT from our Lord and Savior! GOD made the deliberate decision to release His reasons for resentment and vengeance towards people who have gone against His plans. Even though people have done nothing to deserve His forgiveness.

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