Forgive and be forgiven!

Today’s verse: Matthew 18:35

“So my heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not not forgive his brother trespasses.”

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

In India, people of different religions spend a lot of time and money visiting different holy places to get forgiveness. But for us, we receive it for free because Jesus gave His own life as a sacrifice on the cross. Those who believe in Him are forgiven. We have been forgiven but do we forgive others? (Colossians 3:12,13) Jesus explains it through a parable.

Be Patient:

The servant who has to pay his debts falls before his master and pleads with him to have patience. The master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. But the servant who, after being forgiven, forgave did not forgive the fellow servant who had to pay the debts to him and threw him in prison (verses 26,29). Jesus doesn’t punish us immediately for our sins, but He is patient with us for us to repent (Psalm 78:36-39). Are we patient enough to forgive others?

Have Mercy:

The servant also pleaded, saying, ‘Have mercy on me.’ The master was compassionate to release him and forgive him (verse 27). But the one who received compassion was merciless to the one who had to pay the debts to him. So the king rebuked him (verse 33). Jesus Christ has mercy on us and forgives us for all our sins. But are we compassionate enough to forgive others? (James 2:8-13) Jesus warns us what would be the result if we don’t forgive others (verse 34).

Forgive:

Many plead with us to forgive them. Some people do not accept their mistakes. But Jesus preaches us to forgive even those who do not accept their mistakes. Jesus prayed for the forgiveness of those who hanged him on the cross. He also mentioned that they do not know what they are doing. When we forgive others, we will be forgiven too (Colossians 3:12,13). We tell the same in the Lord’s prayer. Verse 35 is a warning to us!

When we don’t forgive others, that gives a place for bitterness in our hearts. And what happens as a result? (Check how you have reacted to bitterness in the past!)

Dear God, Help me to forgive others like how you forgave me. Amen.