Matthew 6:12

Forgive us our debts, as we forgive, etc.

This is the fifth petition. Debts mean moral obligations unfulfilled, our shortcomings, our sins. Let it be noted with emphasis that God is asked to forgive us as we forgive others. If we are stern, hard and unforgiving we ask him to be so toward us; if we are merciful and forgiving, we implore him to be merciful to us. We ask, in other words, that he may mete out to us what we measure to others. We can note here how we should act towards those who injure us. We should be merciful and ready to forgive whenever they repent and ask our forgiveness. God does not forgive men who are impenitent, but he desires to be merciful and is always ready and anxious to forgive. So, too, we should cherish no revengeful spirit, should be full of kindness, anxious for reconciliation, and glad to forgive whenever the wrong-doer repents. Unwillingness to forgive would make the petition hypocritical.