“Our Father…
your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.”

The first question when looking at this part of the Lord’s prayer is, “What is the will of God?”
God reveals his will in his word, specifically in his commandments. Yet, when we consider that everything that happens ultimately is in accordance with the will of God. Even though, through our sin, we don’t always do the will of God, and God’s anger is invoked, God’s will is always done. Somehow, God can use the free will of men to accomplish his will, even when the will of men is not in accordance with his will
This prayer has twofold implications.

1. We ask that God will carry out his will, that we would allow God to do his will in us. That we will trust God and allow him to do what is right in our lives.
   
2. We ask that God will carry out his will, that we would do the will of God.

These two implications may seem contradictory, but actually they should be in harmony. We need the wisdom to know when we should be passive and allow God to do his will, and we should be active and carry out God’s will. It is worth noting that we are never warranted to go against God’s will in either case, nor are we allowed to be fatalistic.
Of course, as with everything taught in the Sermon on the Mount, this is aimed at the poor in spirit, those whose trust is in Christ and not in themselves. Consequently we are not left alone to make these decisions, but given the Holy Spirit to guide us and grant us wisdom by the grace of God.

The look through Ephesians in the evenings brings us to forgiveness. In these verses, the apostle Paul outlines what the attitude of Christians should be towards forgiveness. It is also interesting to note how forgiveness in the Bible differs from how the world views forgiveness.

1. Forgiveness is not being let off for something which is excusable. That’s justice. If someone is let off because they should be let off, they don’t need forgiveness as they’ve done nothing wrong.
2. Forgiveness is not unconditional. God doesn’t forgive those who are unrepentant, and we are called to be imitators of God. This is not to say we should bear grudges, nor harbour resentment. Indeed, we should be willing to forgive at all times.
3. Forgiveness is should not be reliant on feelings. “I don’t feel like forgiving” is not an option.

If we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, we have been forgiven. Just as God was prepared to forgive us if we repented, we should be willing to forgive those who are repentant – those who realise they have done wrong. After all, forgiveness is only due to those who have done wrong, it makes no sense to forgive those who have done nothing wrong. We should have a spirit of forgiveness at all times.