Matthew 18:35 NIV “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

Matthew 18:35 MSG And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”

Unforgiveness is a disease that festers. It is something that will take a hold of our hearts and choke the very life out of us. Learning to forgive is like finding an infusion of life we did not know existed.

We all want to live a free life. Little do we know that when we do not forgive we are placing ourselves in chains. We are imprisoning ourselves in a life that was never meant for us.

In this story in Matthew, Jesus paints a clear picture of what happens when we are forgiven and then turn around and do not forgive in return. (Read Matthew 18:21-35) We must ask ourselves, why is it ok to receive mercy, but then not give it?

Oftentimes our answer is discomfort or pain from feeling justice was not being served. God’s point is that we should be more concerned with mercy than justice. When we place our focus on mercy we relinquish the control we think we have and allow God to handle the situation. His power cannot help but intercede on our behalf.

A Prayer For Our Community:
Father, Help us to forgive with our whole heart. Let us remember the story of the servant and know that we are only hurting ourselves when we do not forgive. We want to be obedient to You. Help us to be more concerned with mercy than with justice. Let us remember that You are in control and You will provide. Amen.