Forgiven? Forgive!

There are a lot of things that are difficult to do in life. I can think of a few that are tough for most people: Stringing a weedeater, keeping plants healthy, exercising consistently and forgiving people who have hurt you. You may not struggle with all of those, but I am almost certain you struggle with one. Forgiving people who hurt us is never easy. In fact, it is one of the most difficult things to do in this life.

Peter asked Jesus once how many times we should forgive another. Peter thought he was being generous when he suggested 7 times. But Jesus told Peter that he wasn’t even close. He said to forgive “70x7”, which is a whole lot more that 7! (Ref. Matthew 18:21-35). Jesus made clear that we are to forgive again and again and again… but why and how?! To make his point, Jesus shared a parable about an unmerciful servant. In this story, the servant, who represents us, owes an infinite amount of debt to his master, who represents God. Amazingly, the master cancels the servant’s debt and let’s him go. That is mind-blowing to me!

The truth is that we owe an unimaginable “sin” debt to God; but in Christ, and by His work on the cross, our debt has been paid in full! (Colossians 2:13-14) So will you live in light of the mercy God has shown you? In this parable, the servant is unwilling to offer forgiveness and mercy. How about you? Is there anyone in your life right now who you need to forgive? Forgiveness is never easy. We tend to prefer to get even, or get depressed or to bury it. But the way to get past it is to learn to forgive. A Christ-Follower is both forgiven and forgiving. For far more, listen to The Parables Part 3 - When mercy received is not given away.