The Unforgiving Debtor

[Christina2000]

Matthew 19 v 21 to 35.

At last! I finally understand how I must forgive. After a lifetime of struggling with anger and unforgiveness to a lot of people in my life, I read the above today and it dawned on me like a bolt of lightning.

I must be very stupid to have known this parable perfectly well for a long time, yet the point of it never seemed to apply to me. How dare I remain unforgiving when my mountain of debts has been forgiven? My debts are written off, I am a free soul.

What right have I to withhold that same gift to those who owe me far less? Some people I have hated just for saying words that I didn't like, others because I imagined a slight. Yes some have hurt me a lot and consistently, but so must I have done in my time to others. My behaviour has not been always good or innocent especially before I received Christ.

I am a fool but knowing this is a liberating thing. I am a fool yet Jesus loves me and died for me!

 

[Andyindauk]

Hi Christina,

BTW I think it's Matthew 18 rather than 19. This is a very special chapter with lots of blessings and warnings. I'm wondering what Jesus meant when he said:
“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea." Matthew 18:6 NIV. I really couldn't say but I know it's something very special.

Anyway, back to topic. If we want to be close to God, Him to be pleased with us and to receive some of these blessings that Jesus promises us, then unforgiveness between brothers and sisters is top top priority. In Matthew 5:23-24 Jesus said until you've forgiven don't even bother bringing a sacrifice (worship) it'll be unacceptable to God. In Matthew 18:34-35 Jesus says: In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” Matthew 18:34‭-‬35 NIV. I think Jesus was over emphasising the consequences, I don't think God will withdraw your salvation because of unforgiveness but by over emphasising Jesus is underlining in bold black capitals just how important forgiveness is to God.

God bless you sister and thank you for your honest share with us.