Lessons in the Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther: For the Senior Department of Lutheran Sunday-Schools and for General UseLuther, Martin
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Lessons in the Small Catechism of Dr. Martin Luther: For the Senior Department of Lutheran Sunday-Schools and for General Use
Luther, Martin
Lutheran Church -- Catechisms
3. Our Lord adds something to this petition. He says: _"As we forgive
those who trespass against us."_ These words contain a _promise_ on our
part. Because God so graciously and willingly forgives us our many and
great sins, we promise that _we also will forgive those who sin against
us._ There are such as sin against us, wrong and grieve us with word or
deed. But how small are their faults over against the great and grievous
sins we have committed against our Father in heaven! Having received the
gracious forgiveness of our Father, how could we do otherwise than
forgive also those who trespass against us? Willingly we promise to
forgive them, and to do so _heartily, from our hearts,_ as our Father
has forgiven us, and not only to forgive them, but _readily_ to _do good
to them._ Does not our Father do the same thing to us? We sin against
Him and grieve Him daily, and nevertheless He not only forgives us, but
He also blesses us every day with all His gifts for body and soul. If,
on the other hand, we refuse to forgive our brother, we shall not obtain
forgiveness from our Father. _"When we stand praying, forgive if ye have
aught against any, that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive
you your trespasses. But if ye do not forgive, neither will your Father
which is in heaven forgive your trespasses."_ Mark 11,25.26. (Read
carefully the beautiful parable of our Lord about the _wicked servant,_
Matt. 18,23-35.)
REMEMBER:--
1. _We pray in this petition: My dear Father in heaven, do not look upon
my sins and do not on their account deny my prayer. I am not worthy of
any of the things for which I pray, but on account of Thy grace hear my
prayer and forgive me all my sins for Christ's sake._
2. _We promise in this petition: My dear Father in heaven, as Thou hast
forgiven me the multitude of my sins and hast granted me daily all Thy
precious blessings, so will I show Thee my gratitude by heartily
forgiving those who sin against me and readily doing good to them. Grant
me grace to do this, dear heavenly Father._
MEMORIZE:--
_Father, I have sinned against heaven and in Thy sight and am no more
worthy to be called Thy son._ Luke 15,21.
_God be merciful to me, a sinner._ Luke 18,13.
_When ye stand praying, forgive if ye have aught against any, that your
Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses. But if
ye do not forgive, neither will your Father which is in heaven forgive
your trespasses._ Mark 11,25.26.
QUESTIONS.
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