As cultures change, so does the vocabulary. When you retrace the records of past societies, sometimes its difficult to understand where people are coming from. However, if you can decipher practices by comparing and translating them into modern terms, history begins to makes sense. This leads me to a portion of the Sermon on the Mount.
For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father also will forgive you, Matthew 6:14.
In the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus refers to trespassing. Today, boundary lines are drawn by stakes, fences or marked by do not trespass signs. Borders serve as markers, clearly defining where you are allowed to go and what is forbidden. However, curiosity, human nature and sin living inside of hearts cause individuals to venture over to the other side of the fence. Jesus’ words highlight the inevitability of people trespassing against other individuals.
But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses, Matthew 6:15.
The question is not whether you will do this, but how will you respond. According to the context of the Lord’s Prayer, forgiveness is conditional. Sure, no one wants to be violated by having someone trespass against your body, home or possessions. Nonetheless, part of life is letting go, forgiving and forgetting. Therefore, the next time you trespass on the other side of the fence or are trespassed upon, immediately confess your sin or ask God to give you a heart full of grace and forgiveness.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 