Forgive us our Debts/Sins/Trespasses/Failures/Slipups
- as we Forgive those who Hurt/Upset/Owe us

I deliberately expanded the range of issues to illustrate how wide-ranging our need for forgiveness is. There is no such thing as a'slipup' which can be brushed aside and ignored. All 'fall short of the glory of God' (Romans 3v23), we are all damaged goods and deserve destruction (Hebrews 12:13).

But what is this 'forgiveness' thing? In a legal sense I can sign a piece of paper and forgive a debt - I might regret it later when I fall on hard times, but I cannot go back saying I've changed my mind and ask for the money!

But what is 'forgiveness' in daily interactions with other people?
Psychologically it is defined as "a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance".

Unforgiveness has been defined as being "like drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die"!
Night after night you go to bed meditating on the injury and in your subconcious dream of the culprit's downfall.
You hope that one day they will come crawling to you begging for forgiveness - which you can enjoy withholding!

Why is our forgiveness of others so important when we pray for God's forgiveness?
If we don't forgive its like asking for an antidote while refusing to release the bottle of poison in our hand.

Forgiveness gives the wrong doer the chance of a fresh start and new beginning.
Forgiveness is having compassion for those who have wronged us.
Forgiveness is seeking the wellbeing and prosperity of the wrong doer.

Forgiveness does not involve telling the wrong doer they are forgiven.
Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation.
Forgiveness does not mean lying about involvement in something illegal.
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting - in forgiveness you cease reminding the wrong doer of the event.

Forgiveness is a gift you give to yourself - not the wrongdoer.
Forgiveness is an act of imagination - that the wrong will not have the final word.
Forgiveness is a creative act - changing us from prisoners to people at peace with our memories.
Forgiveness enables you to move forward - with or without the wrong doer.
Forgiveness is a key to your own happiness.
Forgiveness is an act of love - patient, kind, protects, trusts, hopes, perseveres.