The Life and Ministry of Jesus
“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.” Matthew 18:28–35
This parable of the servant, who was forgiven but refused to forgive another, illustrates the principle of forgiveness. Because God has forgiven us, we are to forgive each other.
If God forgave our sins in the same way we forgive others, none of us would be forgiven. As children of God, because we have been forgiven, we are to forgive. 1
Personal Encouragement
Why is it so hard to forgive another sinner? Why is it so hard to be gracious to others, like God has been gracious to us? What changes need to happen in your heart?
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses. Mark 11:25
If we are unable to forgive others, have we really been forgiven by Him?
A Prayer
Lord, thank You for having such compassion on me, a wicked sinner You saved.
1. McGee, J. V. (1991). Thru the Bible commentary: The Gospels (Matthew 1-13) (electronic ed., V. Nashville: Thomas Nelson.
