Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Memory Verse: “Then Jesus said, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34a).
Forgiveness is one of the most difficult things to do. Though a difficult decision to make, once taken, one regains freedom from a self-imposed prison. To forgive, one must be intentional and ready to understand and
show compassion to the offender. A story is told of two friends in ancient Rome, Marcus Aurelius and Avidius
Cassius. In order to get himself crowned as an emperor, Avidius Cassius spread false information that Marcus had been killed in battle. To regain his position as emperor, Marcus mustered soldiers to go to battle against Cassius in order to prevent him from committing suicide. He was caught alive and that gave Marcus, the greatest prize of forgiving and remaining a friend to the man who had wronged him.
Jesus, answering Peter’s question on how many times he must forgive an offender, figuratively made him understand that he must keep forgiving until he gets beyond the number he mentioned (Matthew 18:21-22). It is a mark of
divine compassion and grace to forgive those who have acted unjustly towards us. God strengthens us to forgive.
Jesus Christ’s words on the Cross is an example for us: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34).Unforgiveness is wickedness,and equates one with the wicked servant who found it difficult to forgive his
fellow servant, even after he had received forgiveness from his Lord (Matthew 18:32). It revokes the forgiveness of God to us and is a self-destructive element.
Prayer Points:
1. O God, when hurt by others, give me the grace not to react with anger, but with forbearance and forgiveness.
2. Father, deliver me from resentment, bitterness and unforgiveness.
