Trespass…

Trespass…

And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. ~ Matthew 6:12 (New Matthew Bible)

Our text comes from one of a few English translations that use the word trespasses instead of sins or debts like we find in the more prominent English translations of the Bible.  I can remember in Catholic Catechism reciting the Lord’s Prayer with the word trespasses; and it has stuck with me.  So, I wanted to research if there are any differences in the meanings of these various words used here.

Looking at the word trespass, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: an unlawful act; a violation of moral or social ethics; wrongdoing; transgression; offense; a breach; sin; or debt. When we trespass, we have made an unwarranted or uninvited incursion into the private or protected space of another.

Looking at the word sin, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: an offense against religious or moral law; a violation that is highly reprehensible; a transgression of the law of God; offense; a breach; trespass; or debt. When we commit a sin, we have encroached upon or violated the rights of another.

Looking at the word debt, we find these definitions in its use as a noun: something owed; an obligation; the state of being under obligation to pay or repay someone in return for something received; a liability; sin; or trespass. Thus, when we are indebted to someone, we have an obligation to repay them what is owed.

With these definitions in view, we can readily see a convergence of meaning regardless of which word is used in the translation; and we would do well to expound on what Jesus was expressing as He taught His disciples and followers how to pray. The primary focus here is on asking forgiveness for our trespasses or sins and the resulting debt or obligation created by our transgressions – whether committed against God or (by extension) other people. From the context, we should understand that we have a debt or obligation owed to God for our sins and trespasses; and our prayer is to receive forgiveness; that is, a cancellation of the debt owed because it is exceedingly beyond our ability to ever repay.

In the Parable of the Unmerciful Servant found in Matthew 18:21-35, we are afforded a penetrating glimpse into the enormity of our own sin debt as Jesus taught the importance of forgiving others their debts or obligations to us. He concluded by asserting the necessity for His disciples and followers (believers) to forgive others for their trespasses, wrongdoings, violations, transgressions, sins, and any other form of indebtedness owed.  As Jesus taught in His Sermon on the Mount: “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14)

If we carefully ponder these scriptures and lessons, we would do well to realize who has the greater debt to be repaid. The sin debt we owe to our Heavenly Father is far greater than any debt another human being could ever owe to us. For us to contrast the “degree” of our own iniquity toward God with the trespasses of others against us truly misses the point of the message Jesus taught.  Quite frankly, there is no comparison in terms of worthiness to receive forgiveness of sins. None of us is worthy to receive forgiveness of any measure. Forgiveness is an act of mercy … an act of love on the part of the one who forgives (releases the debt). As Paul affirmed: “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved).” (Cf. Ephesians 2:4-5)

Colossians 2:13-15 (NIV)

When you were dead in your sins and in the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made you alive with Christ. He forgave us all our sins, having canceled the charge of our legal indebtedness, which stood against us and condemned us; He has taken it away, nailing it to the cross. And having disarmed the powers and authorities, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them by the cross.

Dear reader, I urge you to refrain from ever considering of how much someone else might owe you for any trespasses committed against you. Whatever their debt to you might be, while justified, does not compare to the debt any one of us owe to God. For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Romans 6:23) So, if God in His great love and mercy can choose to forgive you and me through the death of Jesus, then as His children we have the same capacity to forgive one another. Indeed, it is a commandment that we do so!

Colossians 3:12-14 (NIV)

Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.

Have a Blessed Day!