Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Quid pro quo. This is a Latin phrase meaning “something for something” or, a deal. I give you money and you provide goods and services. It is the backbone of an economy. It serves less well in a covenant. This seems like God saying if you do this, I will do this. It is actually much more than that. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus told his hearers what it means to be in covenant with God. Because they will be in Christ, their sins will be forgiven and they will in turn forgive others in gratitude. If they do not forgive others, it means that they have not acknowledged their sins before God for forgiveness and they are therefore not forgiven. In other words, It is not quid pro quo. It is done in response to God’s grace.
Quid pro nihilo. This is a Latin phrase meaning something for nothing. In the Bible, this is grace. It also goes by the name of New Covenant. The Old Covenant was conditional. If Israel followed the law, they would be right with God. Now, we are right with God so we obey him in love for what he has done. We love God and serve him. Therefore, we love and forgive others. If this is not the case, then, quod est corporis malum. This is a Latin phrase meaning something is wrong. If this is you, pray today.
O Heavenly Father, you have been so good in forgiving us and you demand forgiveness from us toward others. May we be obedient in love today. In Jesus’ name. Amen.