Forgiveness And Compassion

Tuesday, May 28



Matthew 18:28-35 (NKJV)
““But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.”
Devotion
Following the parable from yesterday’s devotion, the story continues with the forgiven servant having an opportunity to pass on the same gift of compassion, by canceling the debt of his own slave. Though it was within his power to forgive the debt, he unfortunately chose not to. Therefore his verdict was reversed, and he was punished. The key to this parable is vs 33 – “Wasn’t it necessary for you also to show mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed mercy to you?” (TNC).

In the Kingdom of God, unforgiveness is never an option. Unforgiveness (holding onto a debt owed) is a devious tactic of the enemy to embitter, isolate and enslave its victim. Holding onto it is like a beaver dam that withholds God’s love, grace, peace and joy from our relationships.
Jesus told us that in this world offenses will come (Matthew 18:7). But He also said, “… In the world you will have tribulation; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world” (John 16:33b). This means that in him, you have victory. So the exhortation is to be like Him. “Therefore, be imitators of God (who is merciful, gracious, slow to anger and compassionate), as dear children and walk in love, as Christ also has loved us, and gave himself for us…” (Ephesians5:1,2).

Forgiveness is an act of love. One can take the very thing that was meant to destroy and turn it to bring deliverance – simply by forgiving. As a form of compassion, it moves the heart of God. 
When a person responds to God’s Word which says, “And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25), then His grace and love will be there to heal the hurt. Forgiveness releases the flow of God’s love and peace. There is room for nothing less than agape love in His presence. He wants to encompass you with it and flow through you, to others. So may our days begin and end with this: 
“Above all things have fervent love for one another, for love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).

Today’s Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father,
I confess this is a parable that causes me to fear. I know that there is power to forgive in the blood of Jesus, but I struggle to confess my unforgiveness, much less mourn over it and cry out for the help I need to obey. What a wretched person I am, harboring such unforgiveness while trying to maintain the appearance of a good Christian. I often deserve to be handed over to the jailers. Lord! I forgive. Help me overcome my unforgiveness. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.

Apply It Today

Those who belong to Jesus know each of us owed a debt for sin that we could not pay. Jesus paid the ultimate price for our forgiveness. Come to Jesus humbly for help forgiving specific people who have sinned against you. If you have not yet had your sins washed away by the blood of Jesus, honestly, you still owe a debt to God that you cannot pay. There is room at the cross for you to do business with the King of Kings and receive forgiveness before the day of reckoning.

Resources

  • Watch the message, “Overcoming Offense,” and be encouraged to forgive those who have offended you, and begin living in total freedom. 
  • Let this year’s Easter Production remind you of God’s love of you, He gave His only Son just for you. Easter - The Live Experience.