Matthew 6:12
Verse
Context
Sermons







Summary
Commentary
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And forgive us our debts--A vitally important view of sin, this--as an offense against God demanding reparation to His dishonored claims upon our absolute subjection. As the debtor in the creditor's hand, so is the sinner in the hands of God. This idea of sin had indeed come up before in this discourse--in the warning to agree with our adversary quickly, in case of sentence being passed upon us, adjudging us to payment of the last farthing, and to imprisonment till then (Mat 5:25-26). And it comes up once and again in our Lord's subsequent teaching--as in the parable of the creditor and his two debtors (Luk 7:41, &c.), and in the parable of the unmerciful debtor (Mat 18:23, &c.). But by embodying it in this brief model of acceptable prayer, and as the first of three petitions more or less bearing upon sin, our Lord teaches us, in the most emphatic manner conceivable, to regard this view of sin as the primary and fundamental one. Answering to this is the "forgiveness" which it directs us to seek--not the removal from our own hearts of the stain of sin, nor yet the removal of our just dread of God's anger, or of unworthy suspicions of His love, which is all that some tell us we have to care about--but the removal from God's own mind of His displeasure against us on account of sin, or, to retain the figure, the wiping or crossing out from His "book of remembrance" of all entries against us on this account. as we forgive our debtors--the same view of sin as before; only now transferred to the region of offenses given and received between man and man. After what has been said on Mat 5:7, it will not be thought that our Lord here teaches that our exercise of forgiveness towards our offending fellow men absolutely precedes and is the proper ground of God's forgiveness of us. His whole teaching, indeed--as of all Scripture--is the reverse of this. But as no one can reasonably imagine himself to be the object of divine forgiveness who is deliberately and habitually unforgiving towards his fellow men, so it is a beautiful provision to make our right to ask and expect daily forgiveness of our daily shortcomings and our final absolution and acquittal at the great day of admission into the kingdom, dependent upon our consciousness of a forgiving disposition towards our fellows, and our preparedness to protest before the Searcher of hearts that we do actually forgive them. (See Mar 11:25-26). God sees His own image reflected in His forgiving children; but to ask God for what we ourselves refuse to men, is to insult Him. So much stress does our Lord put upon this, that immediately after the close of this prayer, it is the one point in it which He comes back upon (Mat 6:14-15), for the purpose of solemnly assuring us that the divine procedure in this matter of forgiveness will be exactly what our own is. Sixth Petition:
John Gill Bible Commentary
And forgive us our debts,.... Nothing is more frequent in the Jewish writings than to call sins "debts"; and the phrase, of forgiving, is used both of God and men. Thus the prayer of Solomon is paraphrased (y) by the Targumist: "and hear thou the petition of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make before this place; and do thou receive it from the place of the house of thy Shekinah, from heaven; and do thou accept their prayer , "and forgive their debts".'' So Joseph's brethren signify to him, that it was their father's orders to say unto him, "forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin"; which is rendered by the Chaldee paraphrasts (z) , "forgive the debts" of thy brethren, and their sins. Accordingly, by "debts" are meant sins here, as appears from Luk 11:4 where it is read, "and forgive us our sin". These are called "debts"; not because they are so in themselves, for then it would be right to do them; debts should be paid; they are not debts we owe to God, but are so called, because on account of them we owe satisfaction to the law and justice of God: the proper debts we owe to God are love, obedience, and gratitude; and in default of these, we owe the debt of punishment. Now these debts are numerous, and we are incapable of paying, nor can any mere creature pay them for us; wherefore, we are directed to pray, that God would forgive them, or remit the obligation to punishment we lie under, on account of sin. This petition supposes a sense, acknowledgment, and confession of sin, and of inability to make satisfaction for it; and that God only can forgive it, who does, for Christ's sake, and on account of his blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction: what is here requested is a manifestation and application of pardon to the conscience of a sensible sinner; which, as it is daily needed, is daily to be asked for. The argument, or reason used, is, as we forgive our debtors; which is to be understood not so much of pecuniary debtors, though they are to be forgiven, when poor and unable to pay; but of such who have offended, or done real injuries to others, either by word or deed: the injuries of enemies, the unkindness of friends, all sorts of offences, are to be forgiven by us; and not only so, but we are to pray to God to forgive them also. Now this is mentioned, not as if our forgiving others is the cause of God's forgiving us, or the model of it, or as setting him an example, or as if his and our forgiving were to be compared together, since these will admit of no comparison; but this is an argument founded upon God's own promise and grace, to forgive such who have compassion on their fellow creatures. (y) Targum in 2 Chron. vi. 21. (z) Targum Onkelos & Jon. ben Uzziel in Gen. l. 17. Vid. Targum in 1 Chron. iv. 18. & in Cant. i. 1. & in Gen. iv. 13. & passim.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 as we have forgiven (see also 6:14-15; 18:21-35): Forgiving others is a reflection of a repentant, regenerate heart, which makes our own forgiveness possible. Those who have experienced God’s forgiveness will forgive. Jesus implies that those who are unwilling to forgive have not perceived God’s mercy, and perhaps have never truly repented.
Matthew 6:12
The Lord’s Prayer
11Give us this day our daily bread. 12And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 13And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one. ’
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Sneak Attack (Part 3)
By Jim Cymbala4.0K24:47Spiritual WarfareNUM 22:5MAT 5:13MAT 6:12JHN 14:21CO 10:13REV 2:14In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of standing for Jesus and not giving in to temptation, even when others may mock or ridicule. The speaker encourages the audience to be strong and committed to Jesus, reminding them that there is no middle ground when it comes to serving Him. The speaker also shares personal experiences and examples of Christians around the world who are standing firm in their faith. The sermon concludes with a reminder that God knows and understands the challenges faced by believers and that their reward awaits them in heaven.
Healing of Hurts
By David Wilkerson3.6K1:00:43HurtsMAT 6:12MAT 18:23MRK 11:22In this sermon, the preacher focuses on the parable of the unforgiving servant from the Bible. He emphasizes the need for healing in the church, specifically in the area of past wounds and hurts. The preacher warns that an unforgiving spirit can hinder one's relationship with God and the ability to worship Him. He urges the congregation to let go of grudges and wounds, and to truly forgive from the heart in order to please God.
Forgiveness
By Keith Daniel2.9K1:25:38ForgivenessISA 53:5MAT 5:7MAT 6:12MAT 6:14MAT 16:24MAT 18:21JAS 2:13In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the central theme of the Bible, which is the cross of Jesus Christ. He specifically highlights Isaiah 53 as a passage that reveals the significance of the cross. The preacher shares a powerful testimony of a young man who experienced the brokenness of his family and the impact of sin. He also addresses the importance of forgiveness in the context of a father's relationship with his wayward child, drawing parallels to the father heart of God. Overall, the sermon emphasizes the transformative power of the cross and the need for forgiveness and reconciliation in our lives.
The Sins of the Prophets
By Keith Daniel2.1K40:34SinMAT 5:7MAT 6:12MAT 6:14MAT 7:1JAS 2:1JAS 2:12In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of recognizing our sinfulness and acknowledging that we are in the presence of God. He highlights the story of a man who suddenly becomes conscious of his sin and cries out for war with himself. The preacher warns that if we do not forgive others from our hearts, we will face judgment without mercy from God. He also references Jesus' teaching on being merciful and obtaining mercy. The sermon concludes with a call to repentance and turning away from violence.
'Here Am I, Send Me'
By Stuart Olyott2.1K55:49MAT 6:12MAT 6:142TI 4:71JN 3:14In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing the story of Noah and the ark, highlighting that out of the eight people in the ark, one was not a very spiritual person. The speaker then discusses the format of the seminar, explaining that it will be more informal with a talk and some questions. They also mention some logistical details such as the microphones and late arrivals. The speaker corrects a mistake from a previous session, clarifying that Noah preached for over a hundred years. The speaker then addresses the audience, suggesting that some may be questioning whether they are genuine Christians or counterfeits. They emphasize the existence of counterfeit Christians and the need for self-reflection. The sermon concludes by outlining the structure of the talk, which will present three points, with the third point leading towards finding answers to the question of when a Christian is not a Christian.
Christ Is All - in Scripture
By Bill McLeod1.6K46:28Fulness Of ChristPSA 2:10PSA 40:7PSA 41:9MAT 1:21MAT 28:19MRK 14:62COL 3:11TIT 3:7PHM 1:1In this sermon, the speaker begins by referencing Mark 16 and Luke 1 from the Bible. He highlights how Jesus reproached his disciples for their lack of belief in his resurrection and then commanded them to preach the gospel to the world. The speaker also mentions that some versions of the Bible omit miracles and end with Jesus' death on the cross, portraying him as a good man and advocate of peace. However, the speaker emphasizes that the Bible is truly all about Jesus and explores the significance of his ministry and his role as the Son of God.
Forgiveness - Part 3
By Keith Daniel1.5K09:30MAT 5:7MAT 6:12MAT 7:1MAT 18:21PHP 1:29JAS 2:121PE 2:19This sermon emphasizes the profound meaning behind Jesus' call to 'take up the cross and follow me,' going beyond mere expectations of persecution to embodying Christ's example of sacrificial love and forgiveness. It challenges believers to live out the message of the cross by forgiving others as they have been forgiven, highlighting the importance of mercy and compassion in receiving God's forgiveness. The sermon also delves into the consequences of unforgiveness and the need to align our actions with the teachings of Christ, especially in extending forgiveness to others.
Sermon on the Mount: Blessed Are the Merciful
By J. Glyn Owen1.1K46:25Sermon on the MountMAT 4:23MAT 5:7MAT 6:12MRK 3:1MRK 8:22LUK 5:12In this sermon, the speaker discusses the concept of being poor in spirit and the importance of recognizing our own spiritual condition before God. The speaker emphasizes that the New Testament is not just concerned with outward actions, but also with the attitude and heart behind those actions. He gives an illustration of a man who offers sympathy and money to someone who has lost their horse, highlighting the difference between genuine compassion and empty words. The sermon also touches on God's mercy and his persistent pursuit of his wayward people, despite their sins and rebellion.
A Marriage Blessed by God - 2.principles to Build a Godly Home-1
By Zac Poonen1.1K1:07:07MAT 6:12LUK 9:232CO 7:1HEB 3:131JN 1:7This sermon emphasizes the importance of forgiveness, daily seeking deliverance from evil, dying to self, and encouraging one another in marriage. It highlights the need to forgive daily, seek victory over sin, die to self, and encourage each other daily to build a godly home.
34 - Forgiveness
By Ben Torrey50208:39ForgivenessMAT 5:23MAT 6:12MAT 6:14MAT 18:21MAT 18:32MRK 11:25EPH 4:32In this sermon, Ben Tory discusses the importance of forgiveness in our relationship with God. He highlights that while God's forgiveness is available to anyone, there is a condition attached to it. Quoting from Matthew 6, Tory emphasizes that we must forgive others in order to receive forgiveness from God. He also references Matthew 5, where Jesus teaches that seeking reconciliation with others is a prerequisite for presenting offerings to God. Tory concludes by emphasizing the unlimited nature of forgiveness, as Jesus instructs Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy times seven.
Qualities That Measure Spiritual Maturity - Part 5 - Forgiveness and Contentment
By Phil Beach Jr.211:00:35ContentmentForgivenessMAT 6:12MAT 6:24MRK 11:25LUK 17:31CO 13:4EPH 4:32COL 3:131TH 2:71TI 6:6HEB 13:5Phil Beach Jr. emphasizes the qualities of forgiveness and contentment as essential measures of spiritual maturity. He explains that true maturity involves a willingness to forgive others without exceptions, reflecting the forgiveness we receive from God. Additionally, he highlights the importance of being content with what we have, warning against the dangers of covetousness and the pursuit of material wealth. Beach encourages believers to seek a deeper relationship with Christ, which fosters these qualities and leads to true spiritual growth. He concludes by inviting the congregation to reflect on their own lives and seek God's guidance in these areas.
Compared View of the First Three Gospels, Etc.
By John Nelson Darby0The GospelsChrist's MinistryMAT 1:1MAT 4:17MAT 5:1MAT 9:35MAT 11:28MAT 28:19MRK 1:14LUK 3:23LUK 4:18John Nelson Darby discusses the distinct characteristics and purposes of the first three Gospels, emphasizing that Mark presents a chronological account of Christ's service, while Matthew focuses on the presentation of Jesus as the Messiah and the implications of His rejection. He notes that Luke, while generally following Mark's order, includes moral teachings that are unique to his Gospel. Darby highlights the importance of understanding the genealogies and the context of Christ's ministry, particularly in relation to Israel's expectations and the establishment of the church. He concludes that the Gospels collectively reveal the nature of Christ's mission and the unfolding of God's plan for humanity.
Ezekiel 33:17
By Chuck Smith0Grace and ForgivenessGod's JusticeEZK 33:17MAT 5:20MAT 6:12LUK 18:9ROM 3:23EPH 2:2Chuck Smith addresses the common accusation against God regarding His fairness and justice, emphasizing that humanity's suffering stems from sin and rebellion against God. He explains that God's grace in forgiving sins often troubles people, as they struggle to accept that the guilty can be forgiven without suffering. Smith highlights that true righteousness cannot be achieved through human efforts, and only through faith in Jesus can one attain the righteousness necessary for salvation. He concludes by reminding us that while people may question God's ways, it is ultimately their own ways that are unequal, as they fail to extend the same grace they desire for themselves to others.
Being Merciful
By Zac Poonen0MercyForgivenessPSA 66:18MAT 6:12MAT 18:21MRK 11:25LUK 6:37JHN 13:14EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 2:13Zac Poonen emphasizes the necessity of mercy and forgiveness among believers, highlighting that our human nature often leads to unintentional harm to one another. He warns that harboring unforgiveness creates a 'little bit of hell' within us, which can hinder our relationship with God and even affect our physical health. Poonen stresses that true forgiveness requires brokenness and a desire for reconciliation, urging us to pray for the forgiveness of others as we seek our own. He reminds us that without forgiving others, our prayers may go unheard by God. Ultimately, the call to forgive is a reflection of our own need for mercy and a vital step towards spiritual healing.
Of Christ, the Surety of the Covenant.
By John Gill0Covenant of GraceChrist's SuretyshipJOB 33:24ISA 49:5ISA 53:6JER 30:21MAT 6:12JHN 10:16ROM 15:82CO 5:21HEB 3:2HEB 7:22John Gill expounds on Christ's role as the Surety of the Covenant, emphasizing that He voluntarily took on the obligations of humanity's sins, satisfying divine justice through His obedience and sacrifice. Christ's suretyship is not merely an accessory to human obligation but a complete transfer of debt, where He bore the sins of the elect and fulfilled the law on their behalf. Gill clarifies that Christ's engagement as Surety ensures that believers are freed from the debt of sin, as their sins are imputed to Him, and His righteousness is credited to them. This profound act of love and grace guarantees the salvation of the elect, as Christ is committed to bringing them safely to glory. Ultimately, Gill highlights the unbreakable bond of this covenant, rooted in God's faithfulness and Christ's perfect fulfillment of His promises.
Homily 21 on the Statues
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:12John Chrysostom preaches about the reconciliation of the Emperor with the city of Antioch after the return of Bishop Flavian, highlighting the power of forgiveness, mercy, and the lovingkindness of God. He emphasizes the city's faith in seeking refuge in the Church and the Priest of God during times of danger, showcasing the importance of trust in divine aid. Chrysostom commends the Priest's sacrificial actions, wisdom, and meekness in moving the Emperor's heart to forgiveness, drawing parallels to biblical examples like Joseph and Jesus. The sermon underscores the Emperor's magnanimity in forgiving those who offended him, urging him to imitate Christ's forgiveness and mercy towards others, and the lasting impact of such actions on posterity and Christianity.
Homily 1 on Eutropius
By St. John Chrysostom0PRO 27:6ISA 40:6HOS 6:6MAT 6:12LUK 23:34John Chrysostom delivers a sermon on Eutropius, the eunuch, Patrician, and Consul, highlighting the fleeting nature of worldly glory and the consequences of pride and betrayal. He emphasizes the importance of humility, compassion, and mercy, urging the congregation to reflect on their own actions and attitudes towards others. Chrysostom uses the example of Eutropius to illustrate the downfall of those who exalt themselves and mistreat others, ultimately leading to their own destruction. He calls for a spirit of forgiveness and kindness, both towards Eutropius and in their own lives, reminding them of the power of mercy and the need to seek God's favor through compassionate actions.
John 5:23-30
By St. John Chrysostom0MAT 6:12MAT 10:16MAT 19:21JHN 5:222CO 5:10HEB 9:28John Chrysostom emphasizes the importance of living with great diligence as we will be held accountable for our words and actions before the Judgment-seat of Christ. He highlights the fear of facing a fearful tribunal after this life and the need to remember the final judgment. Chrysostom explains the equality of honor between the Father and the Son, emphasizing that honoring the Son is honoring the Father. He delves into the Son's authority to judge, proving His equality with the Father and the necessity of honoring Him. Chrysostom urges believers to forgive others, judge themselves, and strive for eternal life by following Christ's commandments of love and selflessness.
Exposition on Psalm 67
By St. Augustine0PSA 66:1MAT 6:10MAT 6:12LUK 2:29JHN 15:11CO 3:6PHP 3:13St. Augustine preaches about the importance of confessing and praising God, emphasizing the blessings that come from both God blessing us and us blessing the Lord. He highlights the growth that occurs when God blesses us and when we bless the Lord, leading to mutual profit. St. Augustine also discusses the concept of God as the Husbandman who tills us for fruit, and the need for us to acknowledge God's work in our lives. He encourages believers to sing a new song in the way of Christ, confess to God with joy, and allow God to guide them on the straight path.
The Limits of God's Grace
By David Servant0LEV 20:10MAT 6:12LUK 13:3JHN 8:7JHN 8:111CO 6:9TIT 2:11JAS 4:61JN 1:9JUD 1:4David Servant preaches on the true biblical concept of grace, using the story of Jesus' encounter with the woman caught in adultery to illustrate that grace is not a license to sin but a temporary opportunity to repent before facing condemnation. He emphasizes that God's grace is conditional upon humble repentance and ongoing holiness, refuting the misconception that Christians can continue sinning without consequences. Servant highlights the importance of obedience born of faith as the proper response to the grace God offers, stressing that repentance and a commitment to follow God's commandments are essential for entering the kingdom of heaven.
Luke 23:33
By Chuck Smith0Power Of PrayerForgivenessPSA 103:12MAT 5:44MAT 6:12MRK 11:25LUK 23:34ROM 5:8EPH 4:32COL 3:13JAS 5:161JN 1:9Chuck Smith emphasizes the profound message of forgiveness as Jesus, even in His final moments on the cross, prays for those who are crucifying Him, demonstrating the power and necessity of prayer. He highlights that Jesus' ministry began and ended with prayer, teaching us that prayer remains a vital tool, especially when we feel powerless. Smith points out that forgiveness is humanity's greatest need, and Jesus exemplifies this by asking for forgiveness for those who do not understand their actions. The sermon encourages believers to practice forgiveness, as holding onto grudges can harm our mental well-being, and reminds us of the importance of being kind to one another, just as God forgives us.
The Golden Rule of Success
By Charles Stanley0MAT 6:12MAT 7:7MAT 7:9MAT 7:12MAT 18:21GAL 2:20GAL 6:7HEB 11:6Charles Stanley emphasizes the importance of seeking, asking, and knocking in prayer, assuring that God, our heavenly Father, will provide good gifts to those who ask Him. He delves into the principle of treating others as we want to be treated, highlighting the divine strength required to live out this standard in a world that often operates differently. Stanley challenges believers to imitate Christ's generosity and forgiveness, even when faced with challenges or repeated wrongs, emphasizing the need to respond in faith and submit to the Holy Spirit's control for godly behavior. He underscores the biblical truth that our actions and attitudes towards others will ultimately determine our success in God's eyes.
- Jamieson-Fausset-Brown
- John Gill
- Tyndale
Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary
And forgive us our debts--A vitally important view of sin, this--as an offense against God demanding reparation to His dishonored claims upon our absolute subjection. As the debtor in the creditor's hand, so is the sinner in the hands of God. This idea of sin had indeed come up before in this discourse--in the warning to agree with our adversary quickly, in case of sentence being passed upon us, adjudging us to payment of the last farthing, and to imprisonment till then (Mat 5:25-26). And it comes up once and again in our Lord's subsequent teaching--as in the parable of the creditor and his two debtors (Luk 7:41, &c.), and in the parable of the unmerciful debtor (Mat 18:23, &c.). But by embodying it in this brief model of acceptable prayer, and as the first of three petitions more or less bearing upon sin, our Lord teaches us, in the most emphatic manner conceivable, to regard this view of sin as the primary and fundamental one. Answering to this is the "forgiveness" which it directs us to seek--not the removal from our own hearts of the stain of sin, nor yet the removal of our just dread of God's anger, or of unworthy suspicions of His love, which is all that some tell us we have to care about--but the removal from God's own mind of His displeasure against us on account of sin, or, to retain the figure, the wiping or crossing out from His "book of remembrance" of all entries against us on this account. as we forgive our debtors--the same view of sin as before; only now transferred to the region of offenses given and received between man and man. After what has been said on Mat 5:7, it will not be thought that our Lord here teaches that our exercise of forgiveness towards our offending fellow men absolutely precedes and is the proper ground of God's forgiveness of us. His whole teaching, indeed--as of all Scripture--is the reverse of this. But as no one can reasonably imagine himself to be the object of divine forgiveness who is deliberately and habitually unforgiving towards his fellow men, so it is a beautiful provision to make our right to ask and expect daily forgiveness of our daily shortcomings and our final absolution and acquittal at the great day of admission into the kingdom, dependent upon our consciousness of a forgiving disposition towards our fellows, and our preparedness to protest before the Searcher of hearts that we do actually forgive them. (See Mar 11:25-26). God sees His own image reflected in His forgiving children; but to ask God for what we ourselves refuse to men, is to insult Him. So much stress does our Lord put upon this, that immediately after the close of this prayer, it is the one point in it which He comes back upon (Mat 6:14-15), for the purpose of solemnly assuring us that the divine procedure in this matter of forgiveness will be exactly what our own is. Sixth Petition:
John Gill Bible Commentary
And forgive us our debts,.... Nothing is more frequent in the Jewish writings than to call sins "debts"; and the phrase, of forgiving, is used both of God and men. Thus the prayer of Solomon is paraphrased (y) by the Targumist: "and hear thou the petition of thy servant, and of thy people Israel, which they shall make before this place; and do thou receive it from the place of the house of thy Shekinah, from heaven; and do thou accept their prayer , "and forgive their debts".'' So Joseph's brethren signify to him, that it was their father's orders to say unto him, "forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin"; which is rendered by the Chaldee paraphrasts (z) , "forgive the debts" of thy brethren, and their sins. Accordingly, by "debts" are meant sins here, as appears from Luk 11:4 where it is read, "and forgive us our sin". These are called "debts"; not because they are so in themselves, for then it would be right to do them; debts should be paid; they are not debts we owe to God, but are so called, because on account of them we owe satisfaction to the law and justice of God: the proper debts we owe to God are love, obedience, and gratitude; and in default of these, we owe the debt of punishment. Now these debts are numerous, and we are incapable of paying, nor can any mere creature pay them for us; wherefore, we are directed to pray, that God would forgive them, or remit the obligation to punishment we lie under, on account of sin. This petition supposes a sense, acknowledgment, and confession of sin, and of inability to make satisfaction for it; and that God only can forgive it, who does, for Christ's sake, and on account of his blood, sacrifice, and satisfaction: what is here requested is a manifestation and application of pardon to the conscience of a sensible sinner; which, as it is daily needed, is daily to be asked for. The argument, or reason used, is, as we forgive our debtors; which is to be understood not so much of pecuniary debtors, though they are to be forgiven, when poor and unable to pay; but of such who have offended, or done real injuries to others, either by word or deed: the injuries of enemies, the unkindness of friends, all sorts of offences, are to be forgiven by us; and not only so, but we are to pray to God to forgive them also. Now this is mentioned, not as if our forgiving others is the cause of God's forgiving us, or the model of it, or as setting him an example, or as if his and our forgiving were to be compared together, since these will admit of no comparison; but this is an argument founded upon God's own promise and grace, to forgive such who have compassion on their fellow creatures. (y) Targum in 2 Chron. vi. 21. (z) Targum Onkelos & Jon. ben Uzziel in Gen. l. 17. Vid. Targum in 1 Chron. iv. 18. & in Cant. i. 1. & in Gen. iv. 13. & passim.
Tyndale Open Study Notes
6:12 as we have forgiven (see also 6:14-15; 18:21-35): Forgiving others is a reflection of a repentant, regenerate heart, which makes our own forgiveness possible. Those who have experienced God’s forgiveness will forgive. Jesus implies that those who are unwilling to forgive have not perceived God’s mercy, and perhaps have never truly repented.