How much do we owe God? A great deal apparently. The thing is we don't lead a debt-free life as we often underachieve way below provision & expectation. Thus we acknowledge our shortcomings as we audit our lives by the day. The follow-up is obvious: pleading with God for forgiveness. Debt cancelation is a parallel reality as Heaven is full of compassion.

Not only do we offend though, we at times get offended by others. Wickedness, temptations & immaturity make people misjudge & misconduct, resulting in discomfort & disagreement. Here the call to showing mercy is loud & clear: "If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you" (Mt 6:14). Forgiveness is the wheel to love. Love's movement can easily be affected by 'flat' mercy.