FRIDAY
Scripture Reading: Matthew 18:21-35
Jesus Christ’s death on the cross made it possible that we may experience salvation and subsequently be forgiven from our sins upon our acceptance of the grace that God lovingly gave us. We graciously accept this eternal gift because we are given something that is truly incredible, a pardon from our sins. And yet, when people in our life sin against us or sin against our family, the incredibility of forgiveness that was given to us, seems impossible for us to likewise extend to the one who sinned against us. After all, our society tells us that it is only fair for us to react, retaliate, or get justice.
Perhaps it was FAIR for the master’s servant in this parable to go out and ask his co-worker to re-pay him the money that had be lent to him. And maybe it was FAIR to have the co-worker indebted to him to be thrown in prison. But consider this: earlier when the master’s servant was shook down for the money that he owed back to the master, the master had mercy upon his servant and unequivocally cancelled the debt. The master didn’t do what was fair or just, he showed mercy toward his servant. And yet the master’s servant did what was fair or just, showing no mercy to the co-worker who owed him money.
Incredibly, God forgave us, with the intention that we would likewise forgive others. God made forgiveness of sins possible, so we need not misuse the forgiveness by holding onto grudges for those who sinned against us or giving them what is fair or just. God forgave us for sins committed against God. Now it is our challenge to forgive others for sins committed against us. Pray that God may extend to you a heart of mercy that enables you to forgive others rather then storing up anger in your heart for them.
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