In our youth meetings this term we have been looking at the Lord's Prayer found in Matthew 6. We looked over the last two weeks at the heart of the prayer Jesus teaches us:

"and forgive us our debts, as we also forgive our debtors."

I wonder what image comes to mind when you think of the word "debt"?

It might seem strange for a monetary term to describe our relationship with God. But according to Jesus, we owe God and at some point in our praying that needs acknowledging. It wasn't the first thing on the agenda, the prayer begins by approaching our Heavenly Father, with a reminder of his greatness, and how we as his children can come to him. But we are sinful, and we recognise the debt. Just as we pray for daily provision, so we pray for daily pardon. 

We could never repay the debt that is owed, we are spiritually skint. But Christ has paid the debt, in full.

On the cross, Christ has written off our debt, and now the instruction is to write off the debt of others. 

As we say pray the Lord's Prayer, we are reminded that we are not in debt, are are free, and more than that, we will enjoy the riches of Heaven. So when you are wronged remember:

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Colossians 3:13).