Today at church, we studied the section in Matthew 6 which covers how to pray, how not to pray, and the Lord’s Prayer. We are taught to pray in private, to praise God, to pray for God’s will, to ask for forgiveness, to pray for protection, and to forgive others.
Forgiveness. That is tough. Asking for and giving. My little mind just can’t get that God cannot/will not fully use me if I bear unforgiveness in my heart. The Bible says we are to forgive 7 x 70 times, if that is what it takes.
I decided that I might need to do more indepth study. Matthew 5-7 is the Sermon on the Mount. St. Augustine calls the Sermon on the Mount the perfect standard of the Christian life. Chapter 5 verses 2-12 are the Beatitudes. I got caught at vs 3. Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of God. Blessed are the humble. Those who are not attached to this world. Those whose spirits are at peace.
St. Augustine sent me to 1 Corinthians 8. Knowledge puffeth up, but charity edifieth. Did you know the word charity and the word love are both from the Greek word “agape”? A loving-kindness that has little to do with feelings. So, when I forgive, I am humbling myself to my Maker. Extending agape. Quieting my spirit.
I have a lot more studying and submitting to do…
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