Forgiveness is not optional. It is a command. Jesus taught his followers (and us) how to pray. Part of the prayer is: “forgive us our debts as we have forgiven our debtors.” And just in case the disciples didn’t catch the forgiveness part, he reiterated and explained in more fully. “For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

 

 

 

 

The Lord’s prayer

Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name,
your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven.
Give us today our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.
For yours is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory forever.
Amen.

 

Why study the Bible this way?

If you take it into your mind and heart enough to translate it into a picture or word, it becomes part of you. If you add a sentence or two of explanation, you then engage another part of your brain which cements God’s words even firmer into your heart and mind. If you want to remember it, you can think of what you drew.

Want to share? I invite your comments and an upload of your own drawings.