For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Matthew 6:14

Our heavenly Father sent Jesus to take away the sins of the world. His purpose was to provide redemption, salvation, and hope for eternal life. I cannot rid myself of sin; I deserve punishment and death. Jesus bore the punishment for my sins. God’s forgiveness is the way for my sins to be forgiven. He redeemed me, and I’ve been given a clean heart and renewed spirit.

Just as God forgives me, I forgive those who sin against me so they can know God’s love. Luther states, in the explanation of the fifth petition of the Lord’s Prayer, that I am to “sincerely forgive and gladly do good to those who sin against” me (“Luther’s Small Catechism”). I show love by forgiving others for the wrongs they’ve done.

MaryAnn Sundby
Castle Rock, CO

Lord, focus my heart on the Lenten journey of Jesus, my Savior who died on the cross and offered salvation. Amen.

Reflect: Jesus provided salvation for sinners seeking to be redeemed.

Read: Luke 1:68 and 1 Thessalonians 5:9