Million Dollar Debt

A great story of forgiveness is told in Matthew by Jesus.

 Matthew18:23 

"There for in the Kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 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 you all'

Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 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 his 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 into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done they were very grieved and came and told their master all that had been done.

His master called him and said 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you now have also had compassion on your fellow servant. just as I had pity on you?'

And his master was angry and delivered him to the tortures until he should pay all that was due to him."

It's a confronting lesson Jesus tries to teach us here. We have been forgiven of ALL our sins in the past, present and future by the Almighty God, the highest of all kings. He should us great love and compassion, yet our hearts are still filled with unforgiveness for our brothers and sisters over minuscule things. "He didn't do the chores", "She said something really offensive to me" etc. As big as it may seem, to think of all the bad things we have done, are doing and will do in the future.... doesn't quite measure up.

It's not easy to forgive, I for one know that really well. It's easier to hold a grudge and to blame everything on the person than to forgive, and sometimes it makes you feel better too.  But though we may feel like we are able to forgive, through God's grace we will. Bitterness will only stifle your heart and will not gain any justice. Forgive others as Jesus has loved and forgiven us. 

So that's my short little revelation this week. I hope you get your own revelation from this little parable!

Love,

Joyce