In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:34-35
The parable for today deals with forgiveness and touches the heart of God. Forgiveness is the pathway to Christ.
The servant owed the king a great amount of money but had no way to pay him back. The king threatened to sell him and his family to pay off the debts. The servant begged the king for mercy. The king showed mercy on the servant and cancelled the debt.
Then servant then went to another servant who owed him money. He threatened him with violence and jail if he did not pay back the debt. The servant pleaded for mercy but was thrown into jail by the unforgiving servant.
The king was informed by other servants of the action of the unforgiving servant. The king became angered and threw the man in jail to be tortured for not showing mercy as the king had shown to him.
Here are some thoughts inspired by the Holy Spirit about this parable that you and I can appropriate in our lives.
Forgiveness begins with God and is the core of life for a Christ follower.
The act of forgiveness never ends for a believer.
When you see yourself through the eyes of Jesus it very easy to forgive others.
Jesus gave up His life so you can be forgiven for all your sins and restored to God. You have a clean slate with God. How can you hold a grudge or resentments against others?
You have to forgive yourself as God has forgiven you.
You have to forgive others regardless of the hurt and pain they have caused you.
If you don’t forgive, God won’t forgive you.
Christ tests all believers! You have to forgive Him for all the actions that have caused pain and suffering in your life.
Your unwillingness to forgive causes you to live in an emotional prison of anger and bitterness. And, you lose the fullness of the abundant life of Christ.
Your unwillingness to forgive distances you from Christ.
The desire for revenge will destroy your life!
Forgiveness heals you and draws other to Christ.
Forgiveness brings deep healing and freedom for a believer.
Ask the Holy Spirit for inner healing and the ability to forgive others!
This will free you to be a powerful witness for Christ!
Hal Hollister Ministry 