Thank you for the question on Matthew 6:12–15, “What are your thoughts on the Bible verses Matthew 6:12-15?”
As one looks at the context of Matthew 6–8, Jesus is declaring the Kingdom values to his followers. The Kingdom values reflect the heart of the person. Jesus warns his followers not to practice acts of righteousness before men to be seen by them. As humans, we desire/want men’s approval and commendation. We live even work for man’s approval over God’s approval.
I. Here are some thoughts for one’s consideration on Matthew 6–8:
A. Kingdom principles/values can be learned and memorized by both Kingdom people and non-kingdom people.
B. Kingdom principles/values can be adopted by Kingdom people and non-kingdom people.
C. Kingdom principles/values can not be fulfilled by human strength/effort but only by power that comes from the Spirit of God.
D. Kingdom principles/values are spiritual in nature and can only lived by spiritual Kingdom people.
II. Here are some thoughts on prayers based on Matthew 6:12–15:
A. Prayer is for the ear of God, not for the ear of man (vs. 5–6).
B. Prayer is from the heart, not for its words (vs. 7).
C. Prayer is trusting God to meet one’s needs as one fulfills the will of God (vs. 8–11)
D. Prayer is seeking the exaltation of God’s name over one’s name (vs. 9).
E. Prayer is receiving God’s forgiveness in releasing others of their debt to oneself (vs 12).
F. Prayer is walking in God’s ways despite tempting ways (vs. 13).
G. Prayer is forgiving others from the heart without holding a physical grudge against another person (vs. 14).
When we are hurt by others, our pains and wounds runs very deep within us. Our desire is that they experience the same pain and even some more pain for the disruption of our lives and hurt on our loved ones. Forgiveness runs contrary to our being. As one commercial says that I forgive, but I want to forget you. That is not forgiveness. Forgiveness is the restoration of the fellowship by releasing the debt. Kingdom people can’t be unforgiving while expecting God to be forgiving of us. The fellowship with God remains broken until one forgives from the heart. That person walks in darkness for that hurt distorts one’s perception of life and of God.
SUMMARY: Forgiveness is more than just words but a freeing of oneself and of the other person indebtedness to us.
For more perspectives:
https://www.quora.com/What-are-your-thoughts-on-the-Bible-verses-Matthew-6-12-15