And Forgive Us our Sins.
By H. J. Kittle
Do we realize this important sentence as we should? The petition is offered in almost every prayer to God; but do we realize that it can only be answered when we cherish a disposition to forgive those who trespass or sin against us? I fear that while we are before the throne we are not careful to forgive those who have injured us. God will not accept any half-way forgiveness; if we wish a free, full pardon ourselves, we must grant just such an one to our debtor who has trespassed against us. Is it not too often the case, dear brethren, if we have been injured, and the brother or sister returns with the penitential tear, saying, "I repent," that we greet them with a cold reception, and if we have occasion to speak of them it is in a cold, disparaging manner, forgetting that there is joy in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, and that we are to ask for forgiveness only as we forgive others.