Here’s a devotional on Matthew 18 from our Bible in a Year reading plan. Click here to join us in reading the Bible in a Year.
SCRIPTURE
“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.”
Matthew 18:32-35 ESV
DEVOTIONAL - Limitless Forgiveness
There is a saying about unforgiveness, that it is like “Drinking poison yourself and waiting for the other person to die”. It makes us bitter and fails to resolve the issue.
The central message of the parable of the unforgiving debtor is that when we understand how much God has forgiven us, it should inspire us to extend grace and forgive others in the same way. Yet, like this man many who have been forgiven much and experienced the grace of God, believe that it’s acceptable to withhold forgiveness from those who wrong us!
The reality is that we have all sinned against God, yet from His abundant grace He chooses to forgive us. The scriptures are clear that we must forgive others no matter the crime or offense. When the disciples asked Jesus how many times, they should forgive someone, He answered “Seventy-seven times seven,” not giving them a formula to live by, but emphasizing limitless forgiveness. Jesus exemplified this by forgiving those who murdered him on the cross.
We can conclude that forgiveness is not merely something we choose based on whether we feel like someone deserves it, but a command from the Lord.
RESPONSE
Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive? We have all experienced hurt, though some experiences are more painful than others, but the reality is that we must all reach a point of forgiveness. Would you take a moment today to decide to forgive that person? For some, it might be a process, but we must learn to forgive. Try to forgive quickly to prevent bitterness from taking root in your heart.
PRAYER
Lord, I thank you for the grace you have shown me. Please help me to extend grace and forgiveness towards those who have hurt and offended me. Today, I choose to forgive [Say person’s name] and entrust this situation into your hands.
