Matthew:18

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* At that time the disciples came to Jesus , saying , "Who then is greatest in the kingdom of heaven ?" * Then Jesus called a little child to Him , set him in the midst of them , * and said , "Assuredly , I say to you , unless you are converted and become as little children , you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven . * Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven . * Whoever receives one little child like this in My name receives Me . * "Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in Me to sin , it would be better for him if a millstone were hung around his neck , and he were drowned in the depth of the sea . * Woe to the world because of offenses ! For offenses must come , but woe to that man by whom the offense comes ! * "If your hand or foot causes you to sin , cut it off and cast it from you . It is better for you to enter into life lame or maimed , rather than having two hands or two feet , to be cast into the everlasting fire . * And if your eye causes you to sin , pluck it out and cast it from you . It is better for you to enter into life with one eye , rather than having two eyes , to be cast into hell fire . * "Take heed that you do not despise one of these little ones , for I say to you that in heaven their angels always see the face of My Father who is in heaven . * For the Son of Man has come to save that which was lost . * "What do you think ? If a man has a hundred sheep , and one of them goes astray , does he not leave the ninety-nine and go to the mountains to seek the one that is straying ? * And if he should find it , assuredly , I say to you , he rejoices more over that sheep than over the ninety-nine that did not go astray . * Even so it is not the will of your Father who is in heaven that one of these little ones should perish . * "Moreover if your brother sins against you , go and tell him his fault between you and him alone . If he hears you , you have gained your brother . * But if he will not hear , take with you one or two more , that "by the mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established .' * And if he refuses to hear them , tell it to the church . But if he refuses even to hear the church , let him be to you like a heathen and a tax collector . * "Assuredly , I say to you , whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven , and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven . * "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask , it will be done for them by My Father in heaven . * For where two or three are gathered together in My name , I am there in the midst of them ." * Then Peter came to Him and said , "Lord , how often shall my brother sin against me , and I forgive him ? Up to seven times ?" * Jesus said to him , "I do not say to you , up to seven times , but up to seventy times seven . * Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants . * And when he had begun to settle accounts , one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents . * But as he was not able to pay , his master commanded that he be sold , with his wife and children and all that he had , and that payment be made . * The servant therefore fell down before him , saying , "Master , have patience with me , and I will pay you all .' * Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion , released him , and forgave him the debt . * "But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii ; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat , saying , "Pay me what you owe !' * So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him , saying , "Have patience with me , and I will pay you all .' * And he would not , but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt . * So when his fellow servants saw what had been done , they were very grieved , and came and told their master all that had been done . * Then his master , after he had called him , said to him , "You wicked servant ! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me . * Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant , just as I had pity on you ?' * And his master was angry , and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him . * "So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you , from his heart , does not forgive his brother his trespasses ."

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