We ask God for what we need today, and we ask to be forgiven as we forgive.
“Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”Matthew 6:11-12 (KJV)
What does “Daily bread” mean in Matthew 6:11-12?
The Greek word for daily is a rare one whose exact meaning is debated, though it clearly points to what we need for the coming day. Debts here means what we owe to God and to others, especially our failures.
Going deeper
Two requests sit side by side here. First, give us this day our daily bread. It teaches us to depend on God for the basics, one day at a time, the way Israel gathered manna in the wilderness. Second, forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Jesus links the two because both are about receiving from God and passing on what we receive. He is teaching us to live with an open hand.
It is striking that Jesus ties our forgiveness to how we forgive others. In the verses that follow, He explains that a heart that refuses to forgive has not grasped how much it has been forgiven. Ask yourself today whether there is a debt you are still holding against someone. Give thanks for daily bread, and let go of what you have been keeping on account. Both requests come from the same place, a heart that knows it depends on God for everything.
Reflect
Is there a debt you are still holding against someone that you could let go of today?
Pray
Father, thank You for providing what I need each day. Forgive me as I forgive others, and help me to let go of what I am holding. In Jesus' name, amen.
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