Heidelberg 126 Forgiveness

My little children, I am writing these things to you so that you may not sin. But if anyone does sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous; ²and he is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world. (1 John 2:1-2)

Thoughts: Some think that Christians are weak because they offer forgiveness.  But we offer forgiveness undeserved because Christ offers it to us undeserved.  It was not weak for Christ to say on the cross, "Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing."  Peace comes only if we are willing to forgive and relinquish the revenge that may be ours.  The Emanuel AME nine taught us that in forgiving a killer the state and many were changed and saw the power of God.  Those who are conscious of their need for forgiveness from God are more ready to forgive others.  But those who think they are righteous and do not need forgiveness (from God or anyone else) are not ready to forgive and are stagnant in their evil. 

Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive others as you have forgiven me.  

Q & A 126

Q. What does the fifth petition mean?

A. “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” means: Because of Christ’s blood, do not hold against us, poor sinners that we are, any of the sins we do or the evil that constantly clings to us.1 Forgive us just as we are fully determined, as evidence of your grace in us, to forgive our neighbors.2

1 Ps. 51:1-7; 143:2; Rom. 8:1; 1 John 2:1-2
2 Matt. 6:14-15; 18:21-35