The term “debts” is used for trespasses as is indicated in verses 14-15. One of the conditions for our personal forgiveness is our forgiveness of those who have sinned against us (Matt. 6:14-15, Mark 11:25). The second condition for our forgiveness is our repentance. Like forgiveness, what is true of God’s forgiveness of us is also true of our forgiveness toward others (cf. Eph. 4:32). If a brother is rebuked for sin, forgiveness is possible if he or she repents (cf. Luke 17:3). Of course, we could forgive someone who refuses to repent, but we would not be acting with God’s approval. We do harm to another to release another of personal accountability when no change takes place. The reason is that all sin is an offense to God. While we may give solace and comfort in the midst of unrepentant sin, God cannot and will not do it. For this reason, we must not fail to see the big picture.
The third comparative feature between us and God regarding forgiveness is that when it is granted and the promise given, the offense is never brought up, again (cf. Heb. 8:12). In this sense, it is forgotten. It may be humanly impossible to forget the past, but it is imperative that we never use it against the other again. Remember this: the way we treat another brother will impact the way God will treat us.
This part of the model prayer is another reflection on the entire communication being centered around God’s power and our dependency and need for him to do for us what no one else can do. Hallowed be His name. He is the absolute ruler whose will must take priority over ours. He is the giver of life and the source of physical and spiritual necessities.