Part I
Introduction - Summary
The Lord Jesus is clear that forgiveness of others is a strict requirement, or there will be a withdrawal at the final judgment of His forgiveness, already given. It is compelling in the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer. Most are unaware it is our first concern, the Lord’s implicit intention to be aware of, at least in the back of the mind, Before we consider God’s forgiveness of us.
It overrides anything, including anyone heard to the contrary in formalities having sins forgiven, e.g., a priest, past or future. A safe and proper assumption is the responsibility of an entire lifetime of sins over perhaps a few forgiveness challenges (possibly missed opportunities), potentially one ᶠⁿ¹.
Reading the Compelling Details below, you can see how the prayer’s structure and wording are enough to shake the Universe. Notably, the Lord Jesus also made clear it is a strict requirement in a unique manner of His expression, calling for strict attention, perhaps to strike as a demand. Read on and see!
Sensing a need to forgive should be cause for alarm, reading this with a passion.
A genuine and practical question is, what is forgiveness? After much thought, I never will know ᶠⁿ², concluding what God feels is reasonable for each person’s capacity and circumstances. Beware of a firm answer or hard and fast remarks from anyone, even professionals not privy to your facts. It is God’s domain. Trust in Him through prayer. Given time, there will be a proper answer for anyone genuinely wanting to know. It should become heartfelt, a need for pause, perhaps extended thought then or beyond prayer, even occurring elsewhere through someone or in some way. Consider how it feels (yes, or if there is no feeling). For those not intensely religious, please, accept that it occurs.
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Although perhaps not currently affected, ever-mindful, you may attempt to save someone’s life by its brief mention. The Lord Jesus would be oh so thankful.
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Part II
General Explanation (Compelling Details follow)
The fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, also known as the Our Father, provides (one tradition, selected from Wikipedia, generally suitable for the public) “and forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us; [an italic and underscore emphasis are added.]. ”
For over 60 years, I thought the emphasized second phrase above was secondary, a fair measure of consideration when thinking of Forgiveness From God, not realizing the Lord Jesus intends Our Forgiveness Of Others as a strict requirement. Although it is Second, He wants us to have it no less than in the back of our minds, yes, First, And Always. You will see that He wants us to be that serious about it.
Note that this exception requires disclosure. The Lord Jesus did join the “fair measure” type of thought in Luke 6:37-38. However, considering His most unusual manner of emphasizing His firm position as seen herein, that we must forgive others, I believe it is imprudent giving it significant reliance. Notice it is preceded by Luke 6:36 with a frightening term of an absolute comparison, for us mere mortals yet, discussed below, “as” in “Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful” ([also] in brackets is in the NABRE. This entire paragraph is in italics, so the quotation is also).
It is an implicit first concern of the Lord Jesus. Most people unknowingly share my previous thought process, not giving the second phrase above the respect it requires. It is commonly self-centered on the thought of God’s forgiveness of us, losing all without a crucial initial awareness of the strict requirement to forgive others first. We cannot just bypass, passively roll into God’s forgiveness with us first like that.
The fifth petition is so important that it is the only one the Lord Jesus explicitly developed in the Sermon on the Mount. See Matthew 6:14-15, NABRE Matthew, Chapter 6. Immediately after providing the prayer (please realize I stated immediately!), the Lord returned to address the fifth petition, our forgiveness of others necessary to retain our forgiveness from God. Indeed, He impressed it upon them, for sure. Notably, all now know that this point also receives their constant reminder. After all, the Lord Jesus just included it within the prayer! Even more notable, the Lord returned to it immediately after providing the entire prayer, nothing else! Oh, they know they best pray and better know they will be returning to it too, often! It Is Also A Notable Moment For Us To Remember And Live By, You Think!
We cannot forget the Bible’s final dying words of the Lord Jesus (though not in some early manuscripts), the Lord’s forgiveness of us, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.”, Luke 23:34, in part of KJV, Luke 23 KJV- Bible Gateway; cf. NABRE, their note on Luke 23:34, NABRE Luke, Chapter 23.
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (or Merciless or Unmerciful Servant), NABRE, Matthew 18:21-35, also addresses the withdrawal of forgiveness already given. It occurs at the final judgment, NABRE, Matthew note 18:35 ⁿ¹. The Lord Jesus concludes, “ ‘So will my heavenly Father do to you, unless each of you forgives his brother from his heart. [a note reference and a cross-references are omitted]’ ” Mt 18:35, ibid. Although it addresses forgiveness the disciples are to give fellow disciples, the Lord Jesus intends our forgiveness to the extent we are debtors to Him. Forgiving all sins without limit, He intends that we forgive all others (as the fifth petition does). Our required forgiveness of the fifth petition is not limited to Christians. Also, withdrawal of God’s forgiveness occurs at the final judgment because it is the only time of our recognition.
ⁿ¹ It is a matter reserved for the final judgment in the following three additional NABRE notes, whether addressed directly: 1) NABRE, note 6:12 and 2) NABRE, note 6:14–15 of Matthew 6:12 and Matthew 6:14-15; 3) NABRE, note 11:1-4 of Luke 11:4.
It is characteristic of love to think first of the one we love. Paragraph 2804, in part, Catechism of the Catholic Church. We cannot read the first phrase of the fifth petition and not realize it would be impossible except for the Lord’s saving sacrifice of love, beyond any of us, for us. Being genuine in loving the Lord Jesus, prayer for the forgiveness of others of the fifth petition should (must) not end alone for some. Realistically, there are miracles from the Holy Spirit for forgiveness efforts through intercession prayers, the strength to forgive, and the removal of pain and bitterness with the relief of memory. A brief discussion on intercession prayer is in the Compelling Details below.
† † † Those with pain, memories leaving them with bitterness, finding it hard or impossible to forgive, including being outright adamant in never forgiving another (and yes, there are too many swearing by it!), Should Present It Before God, conditioned only upon being respectful. It Certainly Can Be Done! They should begin trying Very Soon. May God bless them for the pain and bitterness in their sincerity of heart. † † †
There must be complete forgiveness, and it must be of all others. Prudently forget any fair measure type thought. Practically viewed, we must already have the requirement fixed in our minds. The focus could then be on God’s forgiveness of us or moving on, not sensing a need for the forgiveness of others.
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Remember, as.
It is the first word of the second phrase. As seen below, this one word may seem compelling in tone, perhaps a command for strict attention, strikingly so. Think of a gentle, kind warning by the Lord Jesus. Attentively, I find it very helpful. It is the moment for a prompt recall of what follows, His strict requirement. Envision Him with His hand gently at one crucial word, noting what now has importance.
If an issue to forgive someone surfaces, it should be a reason for pause and recall in prayer (or otherwise), even extended to later, caring not to forget and prompt in complete forgiveness (or intercession prayers if required for the strength to forgive).
Beyond our prayers, be genuine and realistic and prudently consider corrective thoughts and any appropriate words and actions to others.
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Part III
Compelling Details
This part addresses details for a deeper understanding of the above in a section on the structure and wording of the Lord’s Prayer. There is also a brief section devoted to intercession prayers.
1) The structure and wording of the Lord’s Prayer:
The Lord’s Prayer has seven petitions without the ending for many, “For thine is the kingdom, ...” God, stated in the glory of Him, has already answered the first three. The last four petitions address our needs for sustenance, healing, and prayer. See, e.g., Paragraphs 2803-2805, Catechism of the Catholic Church.
The fifth petition’s first phrase is the forgiveness already given by the saving sacrifice of the Lord Jesus for us since it is for the forgiveness of sins. Matthew 26:28, in part, NABRE, Matthew, Chapter 26. By itself, it might implicitly be within the first three petitions. However, the Lord Jesus is explicit, but amazingly, to say the least, it is not included there. Paragraph 2838, Catechism of the Catholic Church. Its placement by the Lord Jesus calls for strict attention, enough to shake the Universe.
If the Lord Jesus included the first phrase within the first three petitions, the second phrase in the fifth petition would still be a need. However, both are in the fifth petition. This Blessing beyond any in all human history and forever to eternity, already given, is subordinate, placed within our needs of the last four petitions (sustenance, healing, and prayer).
† Pause Occasionally Upon The Word “as.” The Lord Jesus May Bring Something To Your Attention Directly or Indirectly And Whether In Prayer:
Collectively, the following may be enough alone to reasonably consider it a strict requirement: The prayer’s inclusion of the first phrase in the fifth petition with the second phrase (clearly, both of need) is Astonishing!; it is a matter Reserved For The Lord Jesus Alone At The Final Judgment; it is the only part of the Lord’s Prayer the Lord explicitly developed in the Sermon on the Mount; it is within the prayer as our constant reminder.
The Catechism of the Catholic Church believes it impossible to meet “as” without the help of God. They conclude that the fifth petition’s forgiveness of others is a “strict requirement” in Paragraph 2838, Catechism of the Catholic Church. However, there seems to be more evidence of strictness that may exist by the word “as” joining both phrases, ---» Primarily It Is Directed At Us. The extent of their consideration in reaching their conclusion is uncertain. However, they are knowledgeable of “as.” It is a keyword of Biblical scholar interpretation used elsewhere in the teachings of the Lord Jesus, leaving uncertainty whether the Catechism of the Catholic Church may have made somewhat of an understatement. Especially for clear communication, a striking tone that is so compelling, to be seen, possibly considering it to be, e.g., a Most strict requirement. It is reasonable to consider it a possibility.
The Lord has used “as” to introduce a comparison of importance, an absolute for strict attention in the following examples: So be perfect, just as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:48, note reference and cross-reference omitted, NABRE; Be merciful, just as [also] your Father is merciful. Luke 6:36, [also] in NABRE version, NABRE; I give you a new commandment: love one another. As I have loved you, so you also should love one another. John 13:34, note reference and cross-reference omitted, NABRE.
“as” is an absolute achievement and should not go unnoticed. In No Way Is It A Usual Use Of “as.” It stands for God’s accomplishment, an absolute accomplishment. We cannot avoid the emphasis on what is absolute when considering it. Again, our case would be unique within this custom of the Lord’s use, prefacing an absolute ---» Directed At Us, At Our Requirement.
We know that “as” refers God’s absoluteness and should not go unnoticed. Let us also agree it is a pattern joining comparisons of the Highest, setting the rule of the fifth petition of need, joining a Sure comparison and disregarding it is wrong And, Last, But Not Least, It Should Always Be Giving At Least Some Sense Of Perception In The Lord’s Prayer, whether merely in the back of our minds.
Now, Most Importantly And Despite Anything Above, Nevertheless, Remember, Anything Is Possible With God’s Help!
Therefore, consistency with the Catechism of the Catholic Church does exist. As previously indicated, the Catechism of the Catholic Church (paragraph 2842) holds to the belief that it is impossible to meet the requirement of “as” without the help of God. Everything agrees. The Answer Is God! He empowers us, answering our need to fully comply to His satisfaction (beyond human comprehension) with an integral part of the fifth petition, “as.” Through this and knowing what we do, Praying For God’s Help, our mind must always be joined with God, remembering Him and “as” within the Lord’s Prayer.
I believe there will be justice beyond comprehension at the final judgment. I find it hard to believe there will be absolute rules. For example, when distinguishing mental illness from sin. Be sure the mentally ill will be unforgotten by the Lord Jesus, especially in mind-bending matters of forgiveness. Yes, it can even be a root cause for those broken into madness. Imagine the horrific long-term torture and murder of a very dear loved one, or a near-death victim, causing some to “snap” for life! It is unrealistic to believe “as” intends Our absolute accomplishment. Above All, It Is Inconsistent With The Personality Of The Lord Jesus Given To Us To Know And Love.
I believe the Lord Jesus intends that we must overcome our lack of strength to forgive another by praying to Him for strength. There may be the grace to forgive and the removal of pain and bitterness, including the relief of memory. Perhaps more than the strictness of effect, it is to strike as a kind reminder, a warning in tone for our memory ---» Never To Forget.
Please, remember the subheading with † above to pause occasionally upon the word “as.”
It may mean nothing more than a strict requirement that the Catechism of the Catholic Church concludes. Nevertheless, my disclosure of any additional significance is proper, Perhaps If Only To Strike As A Kind Warning In Tone (though serious).
† 2) Intercession Prayers:
Of uttermost importance, we should rely upon and, in some cases, Must rely on help from the Holy Spirit. Intercession prayers (Praying for others. Here, the wrongdoer, commencing the adjustment, perhaps initially feeling strange, but eventually feeling what you are praying for!) are a requirement for some, in the strength to forgive, and all so dear and essential, in relieving the memory, yes, and the pain and bitterness, but for prayer, would not occur. Please, have faith and begin trying, whether initially feeling strange or praying for something you cannot quite feel yet. See, e.g., Paragraph 2843, Catechism of the Catholic Church.
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Part IV
Concluding Note and Realistic Forgiveness
Merely to note, the doctrine of sola fide, justification by faith alone, does not apply. Whether interpreted forgiveness is through sola fide, by faith alone, already bestowed forgiveness will be withdrawn.
Realistic Forgiveness
Forgiveness often requires more than a one-time decision, e.g., an oh, so-dear courtroom victim impact statement. Resentment often resurfaces with significant matters. We should always be on guard for a pattern of thoughts, words, or actions leading to a lack of forgiveness, safely assuming it will require effort promptly correcting ourselves, yes, forever!
† As indicated, prayers of intercession may be necessary, especially for a painful, deep-felt, life-changing event. Realistically, some are living in a state of mind-bending painful shock, so dearly requiring faith in the help the Holy Spirit will provide.
You Should Forever Be A Disciple Of The Lord Jesus In Every Way Imaginable.
May God bless you.
Sincerely in Christ, /L.S., Frank Lawrence, Sr./
Footnotes:
ᶠⁿ¹ A question may arise whether all God’s forgiveness withdrawn at the final judgment lacks fairness, not retaining a partial amount. As seen below, if questioning fairness, you probably will agree, at least to some extent, that expecting forgiveness is presumptuous and, hopefully, will agree that it is prudently reasonable and fair.
God has given the World notice that His forgiveness is subject to withdrawal, in a legal sense (may God forgive this terminology, the lawyer in me, but stated with uttermost loving respect for our dear Lord Jesus), An Incomplete Gift. Realizing the Lord’s saving sacrifice of love is our incomplete gift at this time, thinking of retaining it, its expectancy, whether in part, lacks entitlement supporting the thought.
The Lord made fairness very clear in another way by seeing His manner of expression with the word “as,” viz. His outright demanding command that we forgive others, or better stated a gentle but kind warning.
Fairness is more than clear by an incomplete gift bolstered with “as,” a strict requirement.
Complete withdrawal of forgiveness is a reasonable and prudent assumption, not partial forgiveness at the final judgment. A prudently reasonable assumption is that the complete withdrawal of forgiveness is caused by a few failed forgiveness challenges (missed opportunities perhaps), potentially one.
It may seem harsh, but there is no question, even uniquely directed at us, no getting around it, we face a hard fact, “as.” Everyone should realize it is not even humanly achievable in all cases Without The Help Of God! In other words, but even more so after considering this entire article, who would say it is not prudently reasonable Truly Meaning It (however, how can anyone know with certainty?)?
ᶠⁿ² The meaning of forgiveness, what it is, should be a question. However, it is beyond this writing and forever beyond me. I studied and wrote on it somewhat, feeling guilty, concluding it is far too complicated for human minds, whether professionals, a matter for God alone, for trust in Him.
I believe forgiveness of others is what God feels is reasonable for each person’s capacity and circumstances. Consider, for example, Psalm 34:18 [19], [NABRE, Psalm 34:19], “The LORD is close to the brokenhearted, saves those whose spirit is crushed.” Perhaps As Part Of This, I Believe There Also Will Be A Just Consideration Of Those Broken Into Madness. Professionals of whatever kind must realize that these matters will forever remain beyond the human mind. Everything is considered, including facts and circumstances unknown to man, yes, even mercy for some now despised, oh “snapped for life.” However, most professionals mean well and realize their limits, respected by God for their concerning attempts. Again, I believe God’s just decision considers needs satisfactory with the capacity of heart and mind.
Trust in God through prayer, respectful of His domain, while He admires genuine efforts on the topic. Beware of any firm answer or hard and fast remarks from anyone, even professionals not privy to your circumstances. If something seems correct within your circumstances, or it is by a professional privy to them, it may be helpful guidance for consideration. It is crucial to consider how it feels during prayer (even if there is no feeling).
Over time, there should be a comfortable resolution to a question of forgiveness for someone genuinely wanting to know. Focusing on the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, there should be a heartfelt need for pause, perhaps extended thought then or beyond prayers. Always have a humble, open heart. With humility, despite worldly expectations, now you are not necessarily the person you say you are.
Before God, we must accept that we do not fully know ourselves with our hearts open, always listening for His blessed guidance, clinging to it (seize every one of the precious moments)! On this critical matter of humility within prayer, see Paragraph 2559 of the Catechism of the Catholic Church. It includes an openness to prayers of intercession for the wrongdoer, perhaps required. You will know when and if so, learning how (perhaps initially feeling strange, but eventually feeling what you are praying for!). Intercession prayer † is briefly discussed within the Compelling Details above.
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