Imitating Jesus
Clothe Yourselves with Christ
Matthew 18:21-35
The Message
A Story About Forgiveness21 At that point Peter got up the nerve to ask, “Master, how many times do I forgive a brother or sister who hurts me? Seven?”
22 Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
23-25 “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
26-27 “The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
28 “The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
29-31 “The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
32-35 “The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
22 Jesus replied, “Seven! Hardly. Try seventy times seven.
23-25 “The kingdom of God is like a king who decided to square accounts with his servants. As he got under way, one servant was brought before him who had run up a debt of a hundred thousand dollars. He couldn’t pay up, so the king ordered the man, along with his wife, children, and goods, to be auctioned off at the slave market.
26-27 “The poor wretch threw himself at the king’s feet and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ Touched by his plea, the king let him off, erasing the debt.
28 “The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
29-31 “The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
32-35 “The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
For Reflection
When you decide that someone has wronged you to the extent that you cannot forgive him or her, what is accomplished? Why have you decided not to forgive?
I suspect the decision is about you. Perhaps because the act or person whom you decide not to forgive has harmed your reputation, or caused you financial or physical harm you can assign blame for your predicament to another. Sometimes the person for whom forgiveness is withdrawn doesn't even know that he or she has harmed you.
In withdrawing forgiveness one assumes power over the offending person where none actually exists. This act of asserting power is not an act of compassion. Forgiveness is the prime act of reconciliation. Forgiveness is just and compassionate.
I suspect the decision is about you. Perhaps because the act or person whom you decide not to forgive has harmed your reputation, or caused you financial or physical harm you can assign blame for your predicament to another. Sometimes the person for whom forgiveness is withdrawn doesn't even know that he or she has harmed you.
In withdrawing forgiveness one assumes power over the offending person where none actually exists. This act of asserting power is not an act of compassion. Forgiveness is the prime act of reconciliation. Forgiveness is just and compassionate.
Pray
That you faith will lead you to compassionate decision-making. Pray that you will remember the state of divine forgiveness in which you reside and model that forgiveness in your interactions with others.
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