Tag: Freedom in Forgiveness

“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 KJV

There was some agitation in our small group, stemming from one person, who, critical by nature, carried a negativity, moreover the kind of person who is hard on others, yet soft on themselves. Privately, another small group member poured out his anger and frustration to me. It was easy to relate, for I was frustrated, too. When it was time to respond, I said, “We can’t let this divide us. We must forgive and be unified.” There was a pause, then my friend broke the silence, “I don’t know if I can. I’ve prayed about it, but I don’t know if I can.” I understood.

At times like these, I consider one of Jesus’ most convicting parables, “The Unmerciful Servant,” which is found in Matthew 18:21-35. Here, Jesus tells a fictitious story of a master who completely forgives a servant of an enormous, unpayable debt. Yet upon leaving, the newly liberated servant seizes a fellow servant who was indebted to him, but on a much smaller scale. Despite his co-worker’s plea, the one who had received forgiveness refuses to extend the same mercy to him. It is a powerful parable, and every time I ponder it, I realize this: No single person has ever offended me nearly as much as I, in my sin, have offended God. Not even close. So, if we are forgiven much, how can we not forgive others of less? Then, again, how can we?

I think it starts at the realization that our forgiveness is not merely a lofty concept or beautiful words on a page, rather, it is true. At great cost, our enormous, unpayable debt has been canceled; we need no longer live under its weight. In this we thrive. Consider the woman who had led a sinful life: as Jesus reclined at a dinner table, “she stood behind him at his feet weeping, she began to wet his feet with her tears. Then she wiped them with her hair, kissed them and poured perfume on them.”¹ Note Jesus’ response, “I tell you, her many sins have been forgiven—as her great love has shown. But whoever has been forgiven little loves little.”² Did you catch it? Our ability to love as Jesus loves begins with the realization our sins truly are forgiven. Love then flows. And in this wonderful, liberating truth, we can “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”³ Forgiveness takes a decision, and as forgiven people, it is one we can make. Forgive, and thrive as one.

Father, thank You for forgiving my sins, the depths of which I cannot fathom. Fill me, Holy Spirit, that I in humility, gratitude, and joy may forgive others. In Christ I pray. Amen.

¹ Luke 7:37-38 NIV
² Luke 7:47 NIV
³ Colossians 3:13 NIV