Matthew 6:12

Amharic Bible (መጽሐፍ ቅዱስ (የብሉይና የሐዲስ ኪዳን መጻሕፍት))

እኛም ደግሞ የበደሉንን ይቅር እንደምንል በደላችንን ይቅር በለን፤

What Does This Mean?

In this verse from the Lord's Prayer, Jesus teaches us to ask God to forgive our mistakes as we forgive others who have wronged us. It emphasizes the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with both God and each other.

Explained for Children

Imagine you lent your favorite toy to a friend but they accidentally broke it. You'd want them to say sorry, right? But what if you were also upset about something else they did? Jesus says we should forgive them for breaking the toy just like how we hope God forgives us when we make mistakes.

Historical Background

Matthew 6:12 is part of the Sermon on the Mount, written by Matthew, one of Jesus' disciples. It was likely composed around AD 80-90 and intended for Jewish Christians in a largely Greek-speaking world, providing guidance on prayer and forgiveness within their cultural context.

Living It Out Today

Think about forgiving someone who has hurt you at work or school. Just as you hope God forgives your mistakes, extending forgiveness to others can heal relationships and bring peace, reflecting the same grace we seek from God.

Topics

• forgiveness
• prayer
• salvation
• relationship with God
• love
• grace

Related Verses

• Ephesians 4:32
• Colossians 3:13
• Psalm 86:5
• Luke 7:40-50
• Mark 11:25

Frequently Asked Questions

What does 'debts' mean in this verse?

In this context, debts symbolize our sins or wrongdoings. Jesus uses a common term to help people understand how they should approach their relationship with God and others.

How often should we forgive others according to Matthew 6:12?

The message of the verse is that forgiveness should be continuous and unconditional, just as God forgives us without measure. It's about a constant spirit of forgiveness.

Can this principle apply outside religious contexts?

Yes, the principle of forgiving others mirrors how we hope to be forgiven, which applies universally beyond religion. It promotes healthier interpersonal relationships by encouraging empathy and letting go of grudges.

How does Matthew 6:12 relate to the Golden Rule?

Matthew 6:12 ties into treating others as you would like to be treated, reflecting the Golden Rule. It suggests that our forgiveness towards others is a reflection of the forgiveness we seek from God.