12and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
We do not forgive on order to merit God’s forgiveness. Rather, our experience of God’s forgiveness and grace must result in a change of heart and willingness to forgive others (Matthew 18:21–35).1 Receiving pardon from God comes with the responsibility of extending pardon to others.2
12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.