How do I respond to God’s forgiveness? Christ’s parable in Matthew 18.23-34 offers two possible responses and the consequences for each of those choices. Basically, we should forgive each other.
Key Passage: Matthew 18.21-35
How do I respond to God’s forgiveness?
Christ’s parable in Matthew 18.23-34 offers two possible responses and the consequences for each of those choices.
The Story
The parable addresses the issue of accountability, Matthew 18.23. That said, there’s no explanation for how the servant got so deeply into debt that he owed an unpayable amount, Matthew 18.24.
However, the consequences were severe, Matthew 18.25.
Then, the servant asked for time to pay the debt, Matthew 18.26. But the king had compassion and wrote-off the balance due, Matthew 18.27.
In turn, that same servant responded in an unforgiving manner to a peer who owned a much smaller amount, Matthew 18.28-30.
As expected, others objected, Matthew 18.31.
Forgive Each Other
Then, the servant was called back by the king to answer for his unforgiving behavior, Matthew 18.32-33. Unfortunately, this second time, the king was less patient with the servant, Matthew 18.34!
In fact, the comments of the king in Matthew 18.32-33 are telling. He says: “I forgave you…shouldn’t you also have compassion on others?”
The word for compassion means to show mercy or kindness. It’s used in the Beatitudes in Matthew 5.7. Thus, I receive back mercy when I show others mercy.
Hence, the expectation is that those who are forgiven are expected to be forgiving. Moreover, we should forgive each other.
Some Insights
Now, in Matthew 18.35 Christ explained the parable.
Note that the king and lord of earlier verses becomes “my heavenly Father.” Thus, there’s a clear parallel between the story and our relationship with God the Father.
Moreover, as in the model prayer of Mathew 6.12-15, believers are expected to be forgiving of others.
That forgiveness is to come from the heart, thus be genuine.
Truth is, because I’ve been forgiven much by God, I should forgive much of others.
The one who loves the most has been forgiven the most. Luke 7.42-43 paraphrase
Apply These Precepts
Rather than keep track of offenses and carry grudges, believers are expected to let it go.
As a result, my forgiveness of others releases me from the pain and bitterness that damages me emotionally, physically, and spiritually.
Therefore, showing compassion is for my own benefit. Hence this teaching that we should forgive each other.
“The Lord make His face shine upon you…” Numbers 6.22-27
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