Remember that we must show mercy even where none was given to us. God requires this of us despite the persecution. I have always said it's not illegal to be stupid, just inconvenient.
Matthew 6:14-15
For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Remember that we must show mercy even where none was given to us. God requires this of us despite the persecution. I have always said it's not illegal to be stupid, just inconvenient.
Mercy will be given were mercy is shown..
Blessings frens...
Exactly. Where mercy is shown.
I don't believe God requires us to forgive those who haven't asked for forgiveness.
Repentance is the first step toward being forgiven. No repentance = no forgiveness.
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
My heavenly Father won't forgive my trespasses unless I ask for forgiveness.
Correct?
Matthew 18:23-35 has a parable where a servant's debt was forgiven. The master was going to have his wife and children sold to repay the debt.
It wasn't until the servant fell on his knees to ask forgiveness until the master took pity on him and forgave him the debt.
Further in the parable, someone owed the servant. That debtor fell on his knees and begged "be patient and I will pay it back".
What is this parable without the original servant begging for forgiveness, or the second debtor asking for forgiveness?
What if, instead, they were flippant and said "I don't owe you anything" after cursing at them?
I sincerely do not believe God asks us to forgive people who do not first ask for forgiveness.