Forgiven to Forgive..Mfano

Royal Children Must Reflect the King's Nature

I encourage you to revisit Matthew 18:23-35.

A servant, having been forgiven by the king, encounters a fellow servant who owes him. This debt is equivalent to a laborer's earnings for 100 days – a sum impossible to repay. Yet, the forgiven servant, in a fit of rage, seizes the debtor by the neck, almost strangling her. This act mirrors the darker tendencies of the human spirit. Away from the watchful eyes of the king, or God, our baser instincts, like hatred and vengeance, often prevail. If God treated us as we treat one another, salvation would be unattainable.

After receiving the king's mercy, this servant confronts his debtor outside the royal palace. Jesus' message is clear: attending church and receiving God's forgiveness is commendable, but how do we act towards others once we step outside His presence? The debtor pleads with his friend, just as he had with the king, but his pleas fall on deaf ears. Instead, he's imprisoned until he can settle his debt.

Through this parable, Jesus underscores the servant's obstinacy and heartlessness, starkly contrasting it with the king's benevolence. We must always remember the grace bestowed upon us. The narrative reveals Jesus's central message: How can one, having been forgiven, deny forgiveness to another? It's worth noting that a prisoner can't repay debts. Seeking vengeance and harboring resentment won't reclaim what's lost; only God can mend our wounded hearts. Bitterness not only proves futile but also carries grave spiritual repercussions.

Witnessing such cruelty, the servant's peers are heartbroken. It's disheartening to see a believer withhold forgiveness. Those who observed the incident reported it to the king. God, in His omniscience, knows if we harbor resentment. Living in bitterness is incompatible with God's grace.

"Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice." (Ephesians 4:31 NET)

The king, upon hearing of the servant's actions, labels him "wicked." In God's eyes, withholding forgiveness equates to wickedness. "I absolved you of your massive debt," the king declares, echoing Jesus's sentiment: "Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?" (Matthew 18:33 NKJV). This question implies an obvious answer: mercy should've been shown.

God expects us to forgive, given that Jesus's blood was shed for our sins. Jesus continues, emphasizing the king's growing fury. Jesus bore the brunt of God's wrath on the cross, but those who spurn His grace or deny it to others will face His ultimate wrath. Withholding forgiveness incites God's anger. If bitterness has strained your bond with God, forgiveness is the path to reconciliation.

The narrative highlights the king's indignation. He not only reimprisons the servant but also subjects him to tormentors. How can one settle debts while enduring torture? It's a futile endeavor. Hell represents eternal, unending torment. The king, in a shocking twist, revokes his earlier act of mercy. Attending church doesn't guarantee salvation; only those who live by God's commandments, including forgiveness, attain it.

Until next time,

David Théry

Guidance for Experiencing God in Daily Life