Matthew 6:14-15

Matthew 6:14-15

[14] For  if  ye forgive  men  their  trespasses,  heavenly  Father  will also  forgive  [15] But  ye forgive  men  their  trespasses,  neither  Father  forgive  trespasses. 

What does Matthew 6:14-15 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

These verses explain the thought of the fifth petition ( Matthew 6:12) more fully. Repetition stresses the importance of forgiving one another if we want God"s forgiveness (cf. Matthew 18:23-35). Our horizontal relationships with other people must be correct before our vertical relationship with God can be.
"Prayer is straightforward and simple for those who have experienced the grace of the kingdom in Christ. In prayer the disciple does not try to coerce or manipulate God. There are no magical words or formulae, nor does an abundance of words count with God. Short, direct, and sincere prayers are adequate." [1]
"The sample prayer, it can be concluded, is given in the context of the coming kingdom. The first three requests are petitions for the coming of the kingdom. The last three are for the needs of the disciples in the interim preceding the establishment of the kingdom." [2]