Step 6: “Forgive Us Our Trespasses As We Forgive Those Who Trespass Against Us” - Release
The Law of Karma vs. The Law of Mercy
In this sixth step of the Lord’s Prayer, Jesus introduces a powerful spiritual principle that can transform our lives. This step allows us to transcend the law of cause and effect (karma) and enter into a higher spiritual law. Here, that the worthy recipient child, namely you and me, takes a giant step forward and upward in consciousness, stepping out of the law of cause and effect, which has been called the law of karma, karma really means come back.
Under the law of karma or justice, we always experience the consequences of our actions. Every person living under the law of cause and effect, and that’s our normal human condition, will always experience the consequences of their actions. Sooner or later but always, no exceptions. That’s the law.
But Jesus introduced a higher law - the law of mercy or love. A number of years ago, I discovered that law. I recognized that so many of my problems were the result of living under law of justice, and what I was experiencing was the consequences of my own unacceptable behavior, unacceptable emotional responses to life, unacceptable thoughts, feelings, as well as actions.
The Meaning of Forgiveness
Forgiveness isn’t about excusing behavior but releasing our emotional reactions to it. The word forgive means to pardon, which means to absolve, which means to lose, and which means to renounce all anger or resentment again, to free the offender from the consequences of his actions.
True forgiveness involves:
- Giving up all blame
- Releasing resentment
- Letting go of the past
- Freeing ourselves from negative emotional patterns
Forgiveness is to give up all mental and emotional responses that are self-defeating, and to be as though that experience had not happened.
Forgiveness as a Prerequisite for Spiritual Power
Jesus teaches that forgiveness isn’t optional but essential for spiritual power:
“If you only have faith in God… You can say to this Mount of Olives, rise up and fall into the Mediterranean. You can say to any mountainous problem that you have. You can say to any condition over which you seem to have had no control, rise up out of my life and fall away from me, and your command will be obeyed. All that’s required is that you really believe and have no doubt.” Mark 11:23 - 26
But there’s a crucial condition. But when you’re praying, first forgive anyone you’re holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your shortcomings too. We are forgiven or sent free as we forgive or release all others from the blame that we’ve imposed upon them. This is one of the most amazing things in all of life.
Forgiving Ourselves
Forgiveness must also be extended to ourselves. Having forgiven all others, and particularly that special one, you must be prepared to forgive yourself too, for to refuse to forgive yourself is only spiritual pride. That’s all that it is.
Self-forgiveness involves:
- Accepting that we’ve done the best we could under the circumstances
- Recognizing our human limitations
- Making amends when possible
- Releasing self-blame and guilt
The Freedom of Forgiveness
The result of complete forgiveness is profound freedom. It was one of the great days of my life because from that day to this, I’ve never had that deep-seated resentment or think of animosity toward any human being. That is life’s greatest gift, but it is a gift that cannot be given to you. It is a gift that you must give to yourself, and it is a gift that you deserve.
The Implication for Our Lives
When we pray “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” we are:
- Choosing to operate under the higher law of love rather than the law of karma
- Releasing ourselves and others from the bondage of the past
- Freeing ourselves from self-defeating emotional patterns
- Creating the conditions for genuine spiritual power in our lives
- Opening ourselves to new possibilities unhindered by past experiences
Your life never stops presenting you with situations or conditions or challenges but how do you approach them? How do you meet them? How do you solve them? By yourselves? Of yourself? Then you’re trying to hallow yourself, you’re trying to praise yourself, you’re trying to give glory to yourself, to the ego and that’s where problems arise.
Through forgiveness, we create the space for divine wisdom and love to operate in our lives, free from the limitations of past experiences and resentments. Now, when problems arise, we are able to relax towards them so the answers can be provided.