Dear Christian friends:

In this petition Jesus teaches us how we can have a peaceful life. Many people do not have peace in their heart. They feel anger, and hatred against those who have done wrong against them. They perhaps even try to get revenge. Their life is bitter and hard. They want to see their enemies get punished. These people do not have peace in their heart.

Jesus doesn't want us to live like that. He wants us to have peace in our heart and live in peace with all people, even those who perhaps hate us. Therefore, Jesus here teaches us:


It is our nature to become angry against those who do wrong against us. It is our nature to hate them and seek to get revenge against them. Sometimes we become so angry that we want to kill or hurt that person who did wrong to us. That is our nature and proves that we are sinners.

The Bible says, "Whoever hates his brother is a murderer!" (1 John 3:15) Therefore, before God, we are all murderers! It is not our nature to forgive. Well, where can we find love and grace and mercy to forgive those who wrong us?

We can't find that in ourselves, but in God. We have done wrong against God. God is good and holy and right and perfect! God is our Maker and keeper. We have often sinned against Him and broken His Commandments and insulted Him and displeased Him. Nevertheless, He has show mercy to us and has forgiven us. From God we receive strength and love and mercy to forgive those who do wrong against us.

That is why Jesus teaches us to pray first to God our Father: "Forgive us our trespasses." We pray in this petition that our Father in heaven will not see our many sins, but pity us and forgive us in Jesus' name.

Although we are sinners, His enemies, God has shown mercy to us and given His only Son to die for us. The Son, Jesus also loved us and pitied us and agreed with the Father to accept our shame and punishment upon the Cross. That is why Jesus teaches us to pray first, "Forgive us our wrong doing." Jesus reminds us that we ourselves are sinners and have received God's love, and mercy.

Therefore, we can now forgive those who sin against us. In God we receive the love and mercy to forgive others. God forgives us and accepts us! Therefore, we can forgive others and accept them. In this petition we are really promising God that we will forgive those who do wrong against us.

God's love and mercy in Jesus Christ changes us and makes us the same as God. God gives us honor and self-respect again! Then we can give the same gift to others.

We can live with peace in our heart and in peace with all men. This is the good life! This is the Christian life! This is the victorious life!

St. Paul admonishes us:

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone.
If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
On the contrary:
“If your enemy is hungry, feed him;
if he is thirsty, give him something to drink.
In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
(Romans 12:17-21)

Therefore, pray this Fifth Petition daily. It will help you to have peace in your heart and to have peace with your neighbor! It will also help you to be a true Christian! Otherwise, you will live the same as the unbelievers! "Forgive us our wrong doing as we forgive those who do wrong against us."
Amen.