2 Tim 2:15 "Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth."
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BE FORGIVEN TO FORGIVE
SATURDAY, APRIL 25
Matthew 18:21-35
Memory verse: Matthew 18:35
“Shouldest not thou also
have had compassion
on thy fellowservant…”
BE FORGIVEN TO FORGIVE!
The forgiven servant had become the unforgiving servant based on what he did to his fellow servant! What the forgiven servant did to his fellow servant exposed his failure to receive forgiveness from God through Christ. This is the spiritual truth of this parable.
The fellow servants of the forgiven servant saw what he did to his debtor and were saddened. They went to their king and reported to him what they had seen the forgiven servant do to his debtor. The forgiven servant was summoned before the king. The king rebuked him severely for his ingratitude. The king had forgiven him an impossible debt because he asked. But should he not have done the same when his debtor asked the same? Should he not have shown compassion to his fellow servant just as the king had shown him compassion? The king was wroth (i.e. enraged) by what the forgiven servant had done, and he was delivered to the tormentors until he paid all the debt that he had owed the king. The king did not rescind his forgiveness. Rather the forgiven servant did not receive the king’s forgiveness in the first place.
God’s forgiveness cost Christ’s life. When a person receives and experiences God’s forgiveness in his heart, he can now forgive every sin, iniquity and transgression committed against him by any man. The ability to forgive all is God’s gracious gift to all His children, without exception.
No matter how deep the wound is, he must forgive even when the person does not approach him to seek forgiveness. In his heart, he must have already forgiven. But unless he comes with an apology, the blessing of forgiveness that results in healing and reconciliation will not materialise.
However, the believer must protect his heart from anger and bitterness that may result in sin if he does not forgive. The anger will eat within him like cancer. He cannot worship, pray or serve God with joy and peace.
The ability to forgive all sinners is God’s gift to His children.
THOUGHT: If I do not forgive others, it is evidence that God has not forgiven me.
PRAYER: Help me, O Father, to forgive everyone just as Thou hast forgiven me for Christ’s sake. Amen.