Thoughts From the Bible

Matthew 6:12- “...and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” One thing we must realize and not forget is that we are sinners and we make mistakes. We make mistakes that impact other people. Sometimes we make mistakes on purpose and sometimes th ey are mistakes we are not fully aware. Jesus wants us to pray for forgiveness of the sins we commit. This is not a situation where God is wanting to keep His thumb on us, but it is a situation that we need to make sure we are mindful of our actions and mindful of our motivations. The other part of this verse is also good for us because, God forgives us and expects us to forgive others. God wants us to be continually mindful of our need to forgive others because we all possess the frailties of life and need to work to emulate the grace He has given us. He wants us to talk with Him about the things we may have done and the things others may have done to us.

Matthew 6: 5- 8 - This is such a good passage of scripture for new Christians. Pr ayer is something that is sometimes difficult for people when it can be as simple as a conversation with God. Jesus said in verses 5-8, “And when you pray, you must not be like the hypocrites. For they love to stand and pray in th e synagogues and a t the street corners, that they may be seen by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you pray, go into your room and shut the door and pray to your Father who is in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you. And when you pray, do not he ap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” Too many times, we hear people pray in group settings and the prayer is used to thank other people or to editorialize during the pray to God. We should be staying f ocused on the conversation with...