The Unmerciful Servant
Last week I listened to the conversation of a young man who owed me money, he begged for more time to repay. However, in the same breath, he spoke about another person in anger, who had some money for him over a long period of time and who has not repaid him. He was seriously planning how to get everything back from this individual. This reminded me of Matthew 18:21-33.
"Peter came to Jesus, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Seven times?
Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
This story details a servant who was forgiven of an unpayable debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively smaller debt."
It encourages us as Christians to practice forgiveness towards our fellow men. The Lord's prayer in Matthew 6:9-13, also encourages us to forgive. It even goes as far as to tell us that if we do not forgive others, we will not be forgiven.
Jesus's mercy and forgiveness is also symbolic in him dying for our sins. Jesus wants his children to emulate his character of mercy, love and forgiveness towards those in need, whether brethren or sinners.
Marcel and Jackie Bruff
@walkgoodinchrist
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