This blog explores the time element in the Lord’s Prayer rule: “forgive us our debts/trespasses as we forgive others.”

Understanding the Temporal Dimension of Forgiveness in the Lord’s Prayer

An AA lady shared a new temporal insight. The topic of the meeting was forgiveness and forgiving. She said, “I follow the rule in the Lord’s Prayer; I am forgiven in the same way and at the same time as I forgive.”

She continued, “I am forgiven, as I forgive others. The adverb as means comparison, comparison between the way that something happens or is done, and something else. I will only be forgiven in the same measure and proportion as I have forgiven others. But the adverb as also means indicating that something happens while something else is taking place, as he walked, his arms swung back and forth. It means at the same time.

“I am forgiven, as I forgive others. So at the time I forgive others, I am forgiven myself. It all happens together. Thanks, I’ll pass.”

Experiencing Immediate Freedom Through Acts of Forgiveness

That was something to ponder. The benefits of forgiveness seem to coincide with the act of forgiveness. At first, I was surprised, but upon reflection, it made sense.

I remembered that afternoon when someone cut me off in traffic. Feeling shocked and angry, I yelled at them through the windshield. Later, I forgave them. When I forgave, I immediately felt a sense of freedom and joy. I was forgiven for losing my temper at the same moment I offered forgiveness.

I recalled an argument with my wife, I forgave her in my mind, and she suddenly agreed with me. I had been forgiven at the same time I forgave.

Forgiveness Transforms Everyday Moments

Always, the act of my forgiving triggers immediate positive changes.

Yes, forgiving my debts/trespasses has a temporal aspect. I am forgiven at the same time as I forgive.

It was a timely reminder. (Pun intended.)