MosesSole

Q4. (Matthew 6:12, 14-15) How could praying the Lord's Prayer become a curse upon a person? I don't know that it's necessarily a curse but rather an insincere attempt to earn the God's grace. I don't think Heavenly Father will punish us for repeating this prayer just because we are not solid in our relationships. If we are honest with ourselves, we should be able to be honest with God. You cannot force someone to forgive another, just like you can't force someone to love another. It is all within the confines of what our hearts will allow. Jesus says love your enemies so if we do that, there's also the expectation that the enemies should also love us in return. If they are enemies, it's because they did not love their neighbors-- stealing, cheating, slandering, raping, etc. If the enemies do not show their neighbors the same love, why are we expected to love and forgive them? Doing so without repentance and accountability is license for the wicked to continue stealing, cheating, slandering and raping. Because we are all children of God, and love Our Father, I am assured that His love will shine through me to others. I expect the Spirit of His love that dwells in me will shine upon those that He believes is deserving. I leave everything at the will of God Most High. Is forgiving in order to be forgiven a kind of "righteousness by works"? Why or why not? I don't understand this concept.

Q3. (Matthew 18:34-35) Why does Jesus frighten us with his statement: "This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you..."? Is he serious? This is not something to be frightened of. What Jesus is saying is basically that we should strive to love and forgive one another as He, the Most High will love and forgive us. Is forgiveness (1) a learned grace, or (2) a foundational principle of the Kingdom? It's probably both. First, we need to clarify that forgiveness is not a pardon, ie releasing the trespassers from accountability. We can emotionally forgive someone for hurting us, but that does not mean we forfeit the right to seek justice. In order for there to an honest act of forgiveness by the aggrieved persons, there needs to be a genuine act of repentance by those that trespassed and injured. Without heartfelt repentance, forgiveness becomes an automatic license to keep trespassing and hurting others.

Q1. (Matthew 5:33-37) What does it mean: Let your "yes" be yes and your "no" be no? It means we should say what we mean and never deceive with our words. If we obeyed this command, what would be the result in our speaking? In our credibility? It would mean that we would be more honest with each other which in turn would give us credibility with our neighbors..