Matthew 18:32-35
“Then summoning him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave, I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?’ And his master, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he would repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart.”
Lord, You’ve forgiven us a great debt. Help us to be forgiving, gracious and patient with others. It appears the servant in this passage had a blind spot. He had been forgiven much, but he didn’t see how that should have motivated him to be forgiving.
Forgiveness is a big deal. It’s not a fruit of the Spirit, but it’s something we should have if we are born again. The Holy Spirit prompts us if we aren’t forgiving. If we ignore Him, then we become dull of hearing. We may still be a christian, but an immature, carnal one.
Lord, help us to be sensitive to Your voice. Help us to be like Samuel and say, “Speak Lord, Your servant is listening.”
Help us to be forgiving with others. There are many relationships in our lives that have levels of complication. I can think of three. I don’t have a problem with them. I’m not someone they care for. This used to bother me, but no longer so. I had to forgive them. I have learned to invest time and attention in those that want it. These don’t. In a sense I had to brush the dust off my feet.
Lord, let the search light of Your Holy Spirit scan our lives and hearts. If unforgiveness is present, help us to let that go. Help us to do as Jesus said, to “forgive seventy times seven”.
