Sunday, September 30, 2012

Trespasses – Debts OR Sins




Every Sunday in worship we say the Lord’s Prayer but congregations may have variations on one particular word in that prayer. Some use the term “Debts” others use “Trespasses” and a few use “Sins.” For the most part these terms are interchangeable in this context. They each do carry other meaning in different context.

Trespass - is to cross a boundary of another person and cause damage. There are places where you can be shot for trespassing on the property of another person.

Debt – as in owing money on a loan or to be in someone’s debt for a kindness.

Sin – is a separation of a relationship particularly with God.

We do a dangerous thing in the Lord’s Prayer when we ask God to forgive us our debts/trespasses/sins as we forgive other for what they do to us. If we are unforgiving by this agreement we will not be forgiven and that will have eternal consequences. Which ever word you use say it with care and understanding.