Exodus 19-20, Matthew 18:21-35 • Key Verses: Matthew 18:32-33

We live in an angry world. Too often there is not even time for the proverbial “slow burn.” For example, road rage is typically an immediate response. Another driver’s actions cause not an equal but usually greater reaction. Obviously, forgiveness has no place in road rage. Revenge is the preferred route.

Jesus, however, told His followers that forgiveness is the only route to take. In this parable, He pointed out how much we want to be forgiven and not held accountable. The servant fell on his knees and begged, “Be patient with me and I will pay back everything” (v. 26). The remarkable aspect of the story is that the debt was forgiven.

If you have received Jesus as your Savior, your debt of sin has been forgiven. You are like the servant in the parable. There is more, though. That same servant was not willing to forgive another. When the master heard about it, he confronted the servant, saying, “I canceled all that debt of yours …. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (v. 32-33).

To be forgiven like the servant is good. To be unforgiving in return is wrong.

Ask God if you are failing to forgive someone. If in your heart you know that is true, then forgive that person now.

Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in