Matthew 6:12 – Forgive and Forgive Much

Matthew 6:12
12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.

-What an expectation and a promise- as you forgive, so will you be forgiven.  How do you suppose that Jesus meant this teaching?  Was He telling us that we would be forgiven as soon as we forgive others or that we would be forgiven as much as we forgive others?  I think it is safe to draw both conclusions.  We can expect to receive mercy and forgiveness when we begin to manifest mercy and forgiveness, but we can also expect to receive mercy and forgiveness to the extent that we manifest mercy and forgiveness.  If we forgive others none, how can we expect the Lord to forgive us any?  Likewise, if we forgive others little, how can we expect the Lord to forgive us much?  “For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.” (Matthew 7:2)