Forgiveness can mean a lot of different things, depending upon the person or situation. Forgiveness can be an intentional decision. It doesn’t mean you have to forget or excuse the pain. The hurtful action or offense might always be with you. However, forgiveness might keep you from getting stuck in your own anger or resentment… might allow you to let go, might allow you to see things differently. Here’s the deal. God forgives you! Sometimes forgiveness starts with learning to forgive yourself. Recognizing the wrong you have done, then allowing God’s grace to begin to seep into your life.There’s a reason that we say the Lord’s Prayer every week. We can’t do it without God’s help.
And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who that trespass against us.
Maybe the more contemporary version is more helpful. Simply put.
Forgive us our sins, as we forgive those who sin against us.
~ Pastor Wende West