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The Hardest Part About Following Jesus: Forgiving Others
Published June 3, 2024
One of the most challenging aspects of following Jesus is forgiving those who have wronged us. It’s not an easy task, but it’s a fundamental part of living out our faith. In Matthew 18:21-35, Jesus teaches a profound lesson about forgiveness through the parable of the unforgiving servant.
Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, asked Him, “How many times should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This response highlights the limitless nature of forgiveness. It's not a one-time act but a continual practice we must embrace in our lives.
In the parable, a king forgives his servant a massive debt, symbolizing God’s immense forgiveness towards us. Matthew 18:27 says, “The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.” This act of forgiveness changes the servant’s life. Similarly, God’s forgiveness transforms us, freeing us from the burden of our sins.
However, the forgiven servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. Matthew 18:28-30 tells us, “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused.” This refusal to forgive illustrates how unforgiveness can harden our hearts and damage our relationships.
The king is outraged and punishes the unforgiving servant, underscoring the seriousness of unforgiveness. Matthew 18:32-34 says, “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.” This reaction highlights that unforgiveness not only harms others but also brings consequences upon ourselves.
The main point of this parable is clear: “Forgiven people forgive people.” Just as the king forgave the servant, God has forgiven us a debt we could never repay. Therefore, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others.
C.S. Lewis put it beautifully: "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
How to Forgive:
When we forgive others, we not only obey Jesus' teaching but also experience the freedom and peace that come from living out the gospel in our daily lives. Let’s strive to be a community marked by forgiveness, reflecting the immeasurable grace we have received from God.
Peter, one of Jesus' closest disciples, asked Him, “How many times should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This response highlights the limitless nature of forgiveness. It's not a one-time act but a continual practice we must embrace in our lives.
In the parable, a king forgives his servant a massive debt, symbolizing God’s immense forgiveness towards us. Matthew 18:27 says, “The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go.” This act of forgiveness changes the servant’s life. Similarly, God’s forgiveness transforms us, freeing us from the burden of our sins.
However, the forgiven servant refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. Matthew 18:28-30 tells us, “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused.” This refusal to forgive illustrates how unforgiveness can harden our hearts and damage our relationships.
The king is outraged and punishes the unforgiving servant, underscoring the seriousness of unforgiveness. Matthew 18:32-34 says, “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed.” This reaction highlights that unforgiveness not only harms others but also brings consequences upon ourselves.
The main point of this parable is clear: “Forgiven people forgive people.” Just as the king forgave the servant, God has forgiven us a debt we could never repay. Therefore, we are called to extend that same forgiveness to others.
C.S. Lewis put it beautifully: "To be a Christian means to forgive the inexcusable because God has forgiven the inexcusable in you."
How to Forgive:
- Forgiveness Always Involves Sacrifice: It requires letting go of our desire for revenge or retribution.
- Forgiveness Always Involves Letting Go of Past Wrongs: We must release the hold past hurts have on us.
- Forgiveness Always Requires Trust in God’s Sovereignty: We must trust that God will bring justice and healing.
When we forgive others, we not only obey Jesus' teaching but also experience the freedom and peace that come from living out the gospel in our daily lives. Let’s strive to be a community marked by forgiveness, reflecting the immeasurable grace we have received from God.