Forgiving Others

Forgiving others is easier said than done.

Today we read a story of a servant who owed a huge financial debt to his master. The master had mercy on the man and cancelled his debt. This newly freed, forgiven servant then did something completely irrational. Having been freed of his debt, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a paltry debt compared to his own debt, which had been forgiven. He literally began squeezing the life out of the other servant! When that servant begged for mercy, just as the first servant had been given, he received none and was thrown into prison until he could pay off all his debt.

How does this story make you feel? Outraged? Indignant? Perhaps regretful that the master had been merciful to the servant in the first place and not given him what he deserved?

Maybe that was the point Jesus was making. The story is outrageous because we can’t imagine that someone who had been forgiven so much would be so harsh and spiteful toward a fellow servant who owed him a fraction of that debt.

We want to think that our unforgiveness is different from that of the man in this story. We look for ways to justify our inability or refusal to forgive. Yet, Jesus still asks us to forgive. This is an act of uncommon love. To let go of seeking justice and release others of their debt to you.

Jesus teaches us to love without limits. That love is the foundation of all relationships with God and others. Unfortunately, humanity is flawed, making us vulnerable to being hurt in various ways.

If you’re waiting for the day when you “feel” like forgiving, you probably never will. Sometimes the pain is deep, the wound is raw, or the scar is unbearable, but healing will only come when you let go.

Forgiveness is a decision. Not always easy or quick, but a decision nonetheless. And one you will need to make again and again. Jesus’ command to Peter to forgive 77 times is not as outrageous as it sounds! The number is not nearly as important as our decision to forgive, regardless of the count.

Daily Prayer

God, bring to my mind the people I need to forgive. Help me walk out a journey of forgiveness.

Take five minutes to be still and to hear from God. Who do you need to forgive today? Whether for the first time or the 77th time, make the decision to forgive and release them and yourself from the pain of that debt.