And forgive us our
debts, as we forgive our debtors. (Matt 6:12)
Commenting
on this verse, and the theology thereof, especially the role of human
instrumentality in divine forgiveness, J. Samuel Subramanian wrote:
In Matt 9:5, Jesus says to the paralytic, “your
sins are forgiven.” Jesus tells Peer to offer forgiveness seventy times seven.
No conditions are demanded (Matt 18:22). However, divine forgiveness involves a
human response. Again, the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matt 18:23-25
evokes the idea of a human response in light of divine forgiveness. Divine
forgiveness is free, conditional, and prevenient, but it evokes “a human
responsiveness in transforming concern from oneself to others, but neither says
anything about deserving forgiveness.” The petition for divine forgiveness
helps the followers of Jesus understand not only how much God has forgiven
them, but also how much they are obligated to transmit divine forgiveness to
others. (J. Samuel Subramanian, “The Lord’s Prayer in the Gospel of Matthew” in
Allan J. McNicol, David B. Peabody, and J. Samuel Subramanian, eds. Resourcing New Testament Studies: Literary,
Historical, and Theological Essays in Honor of David L. Dungan [London:
T&T Clark, 2009], 107-22, here, pp. 120-21)