PODCAST
The Quality of Forgiveness
April 5th, 2017
Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus told His followers a story to illustrate the reciprocal obligation of forgiveness. The story is of a servant who was forgiven an immense debt by his master, but who refused to forgive his fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount. The unforgiving servant was condemned for his failure to offer the same quality of forgiveness he himself had received.
We learn that God is interested in the quality of forgiveness we offer. The first servant pleaded for time to repay his debt: “‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything’” (v. 26). Instead, his master went beyond the servant’s request and forgave the full amount. It would have been merciful of the master to extend time without forgiving the debt, but the master offered so much more–he offered complete forgiveness. That servant was later condemned for failing to offer the same quality of forgiveness.
We need to be reminded daily of the quality of forgiveness we receive from Christ. We should also remember to extend the same quality of forgiveness to others.
Author: Duane Brush
