Forgive One Another 1

Matthew 18:23-35

As we move forward in our series on how to interact with one another, we arrive at perhaps one of the most difficult concepts to live out. Not only are we to accept one another, fellowship with one another and teach one another, we must learn to forgive one another.

We begin with a lengthy reading from Matthew; however, it is a parable that may be familiar to most. How does this story of canceled debts relate to us? How often are we in the position of the first servant?

The parable is clear, as is the purpose of parables. In the story it is money owed which is forgiven, or not forgiven. In our lives it is our sin.

The king was able to have mercy on the servant who was indebted, just as God is able to have mercy on each of us even though we are indebted to God because of our sin. Because we have failed and done wrong we deserve punishment. We are in debt to God because we should serve our sentence or accept the punishment due.

But God can remove that debt in His mercy. He cancels the owed debt of punishment through the sacrifice of Jesus.

Now, how will we act toward one another? Are we able to forgive those who have done wrong against us? Can we be like God in His mercy and forgive? Or will we forget that we have been given a great gift from God and we should share that attitude of forgiveness and mercy with others?

Although we may be tempted to hang on to our hurt feelings and look for opportunities to get even or pay back the wrong, we need to remember that not one of us is free of the debt we owe God. If we can be forgiven, then we should be forgiving in our dealings with one another.

DAILY CHALLENGE: Have you thanked God for the release of debt He has offered you?