If Ye Forgive Not Men Their Trespasses, Neither Will Your Father Forgive Your Trespasses

August 13, 2021January 1, 2023 ~ Richard Rowley

Jesus Christ taught the descendants of Lehi in the Americas (who were of the house of Israel) many of the same gospel principles He taught to His Jewish disciples in the Old World. The teachings as recorded in the book of Matthew, found in the New Testament, known as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5 and 6) were again taught by the Savior when he visited Lehi’s descendants after His resurrection.

The passages below show the words from verses 14 through 15 of the King James version of Matthew 6 and the comparable verses from 3 Nephi in the Book of Mormon.

“…If you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14-15)

“…If you forgive men their trespasses your heavenly Father will also forgive you; But if ye forgive not men their trespasses neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (3 Nephi 13:14-15)

Questions:

– Would it be consistent to earnestly seek God’s forgiveness and then turn around and withhold forgiveness from another who has offended or harmed you in some way?

Forgive One Another Your Trespasses

March 9, 2020 ~ Richard Rowley

The Lord commands his people to forgive.

“…Forgive one another your trespasses; for verily I say unto you, he that forgiveth not his neighbor’s trespasses when he says that he repents, the same hath brought himself under condemnation.” (Mosiah 26:31)

Questions:

-Is it always easy to forgive?

-Is divine help, to forgive, sometimes required?

As Often as My People Repent Will I Forgive Them

March 7, 2020March 7, 2020 ~ Richard Rowley

Alma, a Nephite prophet, was troubled by members of the Lord’s church who were committing sin and not repenting. He was hesitant to take action because he didn’t want to judge them wrongly in the Lord’s eyes, but felt action needed to be taken. As he prayed, the Lord revealed the principles discussed in the previous post (This Is My Church) as well as the following:

“…Whosoever transgresseth against me, him shall ye judge according to the sins which he has committed; and if he confess his sins before thee and me, and repenteth in the sincerity of his heart, him shall ye forgive and I will forgive him also. Yea, and as often as my people repent will I forgive them their trespasses against me.” (Mosiah 26:29-30)

Questions:

– Does the Lord forgive sin without repentance?

-What does it mean to truly repent?

-Is it possible to repent if a person doesn’t understand who Christ is and why God the Father sent him?