And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
All Commentaries on Matthew 6:12 Go To Matthew 6
Augustine of Hippo
AD 430
It is certainly a bargain to be reckoned with when we say, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” We can be sure that we have violated that rule if we do not forgive those who ask our pardon, since we too want to be forgiven by our most generous Father with respect to those who seek pardon from us. Now, as to that commandment by which we are ordered to pray for our enemies, we are not ordered to pray for those who seek forgiveness. For such persons are not enemies. In no way, however, can someone really say that he is praying for a person he does not know. Therefore it must be said that we should forgive all sins committed against us if we want the Father to forgive what we have committed. .
