You Had Better Forgive

SCRIPTURE: Matthew 18:32-35 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

OBSERVATION: What will happen if I don't forgive? This passage suggests that God will allow me to be put into a prison, tortured by my own unforgiving heart. This is certainly exactly what happens--I am angry and resentful when anything good happens to the person who has hurt me. I am stuck in a very unhappy and unhealthy place.

APPLICATION/CONFESSION: There are those who have hurt me. I have to remember that not forgiving them not only is an offense against God who has forgiven me of so, so very much, but hurts me more than the person I remain unforgiving towards. I forfeit my joy and peace--its not worth it.

PRAYER: God help me to forgive. Sometimes I need your grace and help. Remind me what is at stake.