Forgive Always

 

Matthew 18: 21-35

Thinking and understanding

Peter's question betrayed his desire to boast, 'Haven't I done well to forgive seven times? Isn't that more than enough?' However, we cannot draw a line in the sand when it comes to forgiveness. 'Not seven times, but seventy seven times' means that we must be able to forgive repeatedly, without limit(22). This is because we have already experienced God's unlimited mercy and forgiveness. Those who have received grace must share that grace(31-33). If we cannot forgive our neighbors, God, who has been merciful to us, can no longer forgive us(34-35).

Who is Jesus?

Jesus says that if we do not forgive our brothers and sisters, we too will not be forgiven. The hundred denarii was not a small amount, but in comparison to the ten thousand talents' worth of cancelled debt, it was nothing. As we have received complete forgiveness, we must forgive completely. There is no sin we cannot forgive, because we ourselves have received unconditional forgiveness for our sins. 

What lesson is God teaching us?

We must remember the forgiveness we have received. Only those who have experienced the amazing grace of forgiveness can forgive others. When we rememberer this amazing grace, our hearts become gentle and understanding, but when we forget this grace of forgiveness, our hearts become stingy and constrained. what is the condition of our hearts right now?

(Daily Bible, 03/04, 2019)