Article March 23, 1907 Issue

"FORGIVE US OUR DEBTS"

ARTHUR E. JENNINGS

The terms of our forgiveness are clearly and definitely set forth in the Lord's Prayer. Before we may ask to be forgiven we are told that we must forgive our debtors. "And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors." This rule is self-evidently proved to be true. It expresses Love. God is Love, and they who reflect Love reflect God. Jesus said, "If thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee; leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift." These and all other commands of Jesus were given to us because they are capable of demonstration.

It is quite a common thing to hear the remark, "I will never forgive so and so;" or, "I can forgive, but not forget," Neither of these statements expresses Love, and both are in direct disobedience to the Master's commands. Once a patient went to a Christian Scientist to find fault with the treatment. The practitioner asked: "Do you hate anybody?" and the patient replied with an emphatic "No!" Then the practitioner added, "Do you think anybody hates you?" "Yes," the patient responded; "hundreds hate me." The practitioner lovingly explained how this belief might be operating in consciousness, and having the same effect as hatred when entertained toward another; that the Master's words,—"and there rememberest that thy brother hath aught against thee," were not yet understood. We are harmed by believing that some other person can hate us, as well as by hating another. Both show, that the omnipresence of Love is not recognized. Evil can only be impersonal. Apprehending this, the patient was relieved and went away rejoicing. In Christian Science we learn to forgive quickly. All condemnatory thought must cease. Then it is not only easier to heal the sick, but also the suffering sinner.

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