Am I Merciful?

Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV) Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times. “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” Explanation: Peter, a disciple of Jesus, asked Jesus the question, “How many times do I have to forgive someone?” I am certain this is a question all of us have wondered at some point in our lives. And Jesus’s response to this question was most likely not what the disciples were expecting. Jesus replies with a number, 77. No, He was not implying that on the seventy-eighth time, you don’t have to forgive. He was saying we need to continually forgive others. Jesus then proceeds to tell them a parable. A servant was forgiven debt that he owed to his master. He was released and set free of a very large debt. The servant was shown grace and mercy. Unfortunately, this servant did not show the same grace and mercy to another. He found a fellow servant, and demanded this servant pay what was owed. The servant was not able to pay the debt and was thrown into prison. When the master heard this, he become angry. He called out the servant on his actions and throws him into jail. As we read this story, what we realize is that because of the sacrifice of Christ, our sins are forgiven over and over. We sin every single day, yet when we ask for forgiveness, He always forgives us. We are called to do the same to others…to forgive just as we have been forgiven. How many times should I forgive others? As many times as they need forgiveness. Application: 1. Why is it often hard to forgive someone, especially if they repeat the offense multiple times? 2. Why do you think Jesus calls us to continually forgive? 3. How does knowing Jesus continually forgives us change your perspective on forgiving others? Prayer Starter: God, if we are honest, it is often hard to forgive others. When others wrong us or hurt us, we often want to hold on to it and make them “pay” for what they have done. But we know this is not healthy and we recognize that forgiveness is always the answer. Will You help us? Will You help us to forgive others? Remind us of the grace, mercy, and forgiveness we have received from You. Help us to forgive others the way we have been forgiven. We know that all of this is only possible with Your help and leading. Soften our hearts, and help us be a people who forgive others and show them the same grace we have received. In Christ’s name we pray. Amen. Devo Plus: Is there someone in your life you need to forgive? I encourage you this week to seek God and move toward forgiveness.