The Art of Forgiveness
Read the Text: Matthew 18
Memorize the Text: Jesus said to his disciples, "If anyone wants to come after me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow me. For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life because of me will find it." (Matthew 16:24-25)
Consider the Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Tension and frustration appear to dominate the day. Simply turn on a news broadcast, and quickly the commentators begin to tell stories of separation, tension, and fighting. Division occurs over many topics. People get at odds over topics like politics, pandemics, and the decisions of others. Gone are the days of seeking unity amid division, but instead, we live in a time of self-centered focus. The day's motto seems to center on blaming and accusations instead of forgiving in the manner that God has forgiven us. Jesus used a parable to explain the vital truth of the command to forgive others if you follow the Lord.
Jesus taught that GOD FORGIVES AN UNPAYABLE DEBT. Jesus told of a king who prepared to settle accounts with those who owed him money. As one gentleman arrived, the ledger revealed that 10,000 talents were due. This amount of money was impossible to repay. To settle the account, the man would need to sell all he had and his entire family. The servant fell before the king and begged for mercy at this news. The king forgave the debt and released him because of his compassion toward the man.
The king in the story represents the Lord. You and I are the servants that have a debt that cannot be resolved in our efforts. Like the king, when we approach the Lord seeking mercy, He responds with compassion. The debt owed due to our sin becomes wiped clean because of our relationship with Christ and what Christ has done on the cross and in the resurrection. God alone can forgive such a debt. When we receive this gift of the forgiven debt, we must live in a manner that reflects what the king has done for us.
Jesus taught that WE MUST FORGIVE THE UNPAYABLE DEBT OF OTHERS. As Jesus told the story, he shared how the forgiven man left and held a debtor accountable to a debt owed to him. The news of this infuriated the king, who had been generous and compassionate. Such an act opposed the very character of the king and insulted the extended forgiveness. Jesus declared that the king responded to the forgiven servant by refusing to allow the debt to be canceled because of his inability to extend forgiveness the way forgiveness had been extended to him. Jesus taught that receiving forgiveness carries a responsibility to forgive others.
As followers of Christ, we experience a tremendous amount of compassion, mercy, and grace as we receive forgiveness from the Lord. The reception of forgiveness carries a significant responsibility to live out the art of forgiveness to others that have been shown to us by the Lord. When we withhold or refuse forgiveness, then we are allowing bitterness and selfishness to rule our hearts and neglecting to follow the Lord's model and command for the believer's life. We are commanded to forgive others.
Jesus taught that OUR ACTIONS OF FORGIVENESS AND UNFORGIVENESS ARE SEEN BY OTHERS. Jesus provided a small detail in the story that must not be overlooked. He told that bystanders saw the act by the unforgiving servant and reported it back to the king. It is important to note that the witnesses knew of the relationship between the servant and the king. They knew of the ledger being wiped clean. Likewise, they understood that the unforgiving servant's response did not align with the act or character of the king. Thus, the servant insulted and dishonored the king in his actions.
The life of the believer reflects the goodness of God. The act of forgiving others demonstrates the character of the gospel and opens the door to share the gift of God's forgiveness. When our approach becomes worldly, and others know we declare Christ, we dishonor our King. Our refusal to forgive hinders the impact of the gospel. Our actions demonstrate the trueness of our relationship with Jesus. Christ is reminding us that the world is watching and how we deal with others in forgiveness will declare to the world what we think of Jesus.
Forgiveness is difficult. The flesh often hinders us from seeking reconciliation, and the pride of life keeps us from owning our role in the issue. Nevertheless, the art of forgiveness provides an opportunity to worship the Lord in faithfulness and obedience. It opens the door to affirm the goodness of God and the message of the gospel. Likewise, we must strive to forgive in such a manner because a lack of seeking forgiveness and reconciliation insults God and hinders the expansion of the Kingdom of God through the gospel. Thus, we must ask, "How am I at forgiving others?"
This blog is part of the Coffee and Quiet Time with Jesus Devotional Series found at equippingfaith.com. Join the journey of reading through the New Testament this year. More information can be found at equippingfaith.com.
