Justice ParablesSample

The Unforgiving Servant

Bishop Eric A. Lambert, Jr.

Bethel Deliverance International Church

Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” This is a crucial component of the model prayer of our Lord. In this statement, we are asking the Lord to forgive us in the same way we forgive others.

We understand that we are all in desperate need of the mercy of God. However, there are moments when we hold on to anger and bitterness, and when one holds tightly to wrath and anger, they become poisons that lead to spiritual death. Jesus thinks forgiveness is so important that he gives a strong illustration to teach his disciples. Matthew records the parable of the servant who refuses to forgive. When we hear this story, it would not be uncommon for us to have anger towards the servant who receives mercy and does not share the same compassion with his fellowman. Jesus shares how the servant receives forgiveness of an enormous debt, and yet he does not apply the miracle of forgiveness to another. We know that the Lord was referring to the mercy of God that is given to us. It is also clear he was referencing how we may lack the willingness to forgive others. When we nurture a grudge, we are as guilty as the unforgiving servant.

Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. The child of God does not forgive as an act of pride but one of mercy. As we have been the recipients of God’s compassion, it is essential that we become a reflection of the Lord by forgiving others. When Jesus cries from the cross, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do” (Luke 23:34 NKJV), he shows forgiveness. Facing death and those who consorted to kill him, Jesus does not pray for divine intervention for his own rescue. He prays that the forgiving power of the Father applies to those who have wronged him. There is no hatred or retaliation. Jesus does not want to cause pain to others. His forgiveness is complete.

When the apostle Paul teaches the church at Ephesus that they should be “tenderhearted, forgiving one another” (Ephesians 4:32), he is suggesting that the person offended must release the offense. Forgiveness is not for the offender; it helps the offended to clear their soul of bitterness. Extending mercy does not mean being a doormat. Passivity is not a component of forgiveness, as we must meet any injustice with firmness yet humility. However, our responses must be free of vindictiveness and bitterness. We should always remember that God has forgiven us, and we are to model the forgiveness of the Lord in our everyday life.

Questions

• When we forgive, how are we to treat the person who wronged us?
• Why are we incapable of receiving forgiveness when we do not forgive?