Jesus gave us a wonderful example to understand forgiveness. God forgives much! How much do we forgive?
Matthew 6:14-15 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your Heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
Jesus hanging on a cross said, “Father forgive them for they know not what they do.” Steven being stoned looked up to heaven and said, “Lord do not hold this sin against them either.” How often do we never speak to a friend or family member because they hurt our feelings or failed us in some way? Do we think we never hurt or failed others?
Matthew 18:24-27 And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his Master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, “Master, have patience with me, and I will pay all.” THEN the Master of the servant was moved with compassion and released him, AND FORGAVE HIM THE DEBT.
God forgave all, Jesus paid all our debt that we could have eternal life. How much do we forgive?
Matthew 18:28-30 But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat , saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So the fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not but went and threw him in prison till he should pay the debt.
Are we following the Master? Are we walking in Jesus ways? The Master on hearing what this servant he forgave a large debt did to his fellow servant was angry and brought him back before him and told him he should have done for his fellow servant just as he had done for him and then required payment of his large debt. Who are we following? Is Jesus our Master?
Matthew 6:12 And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
We owe Jesus a debt we can never repay. God is love.
