Forgiving Debts

Jesus is here explaining in more detail the rationale for verse 12. His teaching in verse 12 is probably unusual sounding to his hearers. They would never have thought of connecting being forgiven (which was taught as being earned) and forgiving others (which was also earned by them). But since forgiveness is by grace, then grace begets grace. The one who has been forgiven, forgives. Salvation, then, produces a willingness to show grace to others.