Scripture Reference: Matthew 18 vs 21-35
In this passage of scripture, Jesus is talking about a master who is collecting what was owed to him by his servants. One of the servants could not pay and the master ordered that he, his wife, and his children be sold to repay the debt. The servant begged for more time to repay his debt and the master gave him more than he asked for, he canceled his debt. That said servant went out and saw a fellow servant who owed him money. His fellow servant asked for mercy, but he did not extend any to him. Instead, he had him thrown into jail. Having witnessed what had happened, another servant relayed this to the master, on hearing this the unmerciful servant was handed over to the jailer by his master to be tormented until he paid back all that was owed to his master.
Many of us on reading this scripture in Matthew 18, may declare that this servant was wicked, ungrateful, among other adjectives. But many of us are just like that wicked servant. How many times have we refused to forgive others when they have wronged us? Instead, we hold on to bitterness and anger, which honestly affects us more than the person we are unwilling to forgive. Forgiveness is for you more than the person who has offended you, it makes no sense to walk around with a badge of bitterness. However, with that being said, there is also a certain amount of relief that also comes when we have been forgiven as an offender. It does feel good to receive mercy from others, therefore we should be showing mercy to other individuals.
I am certain that the unmerciful servant was relieved when his debt was forgiven by his master. It is sad however that he was not able to find it in his heart to pay forward the kindness that was shown to him. Due to his unwillingness to forgive he ended up being thrown into prison himself just like his fellow servant.
There is a certain peace that comes with knowing that, if we ask God for forgiveness he will do so. But, how so easily we can become disqualified if we do not in turn forgive others. We are warned in Matthew 6 vs 15, that if we do not forgive others of their sins, God himself will not forgive us; now this is some serious warning that we all need to take heed to. We cannot expect God to forgive us if we are unwilling to forgive those who have offended us.
Dear Lord,
I thank you for your infinite love for us, love so rich and free that you died on the cross for us so that our sins could be forgiven. Lord, as you have forgiven us, I pray that we will extend that same forgiveness to others who have offended us. May we not hold on to bitterness and anger, but access peace that comes with forgiving others. May we be reminded that unless we forgive others, we cannot expect to be forgiven by you. Touch our hearts and minds so that we can truly follow the principles of your words concerning forgiveness. In Jesus’ name.
Amen.
