“Peter said to him, ‘Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?’ Jesus said to him, ‘I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
“’The kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with… all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.” And out of pity for him, the master released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, “Pay what you owe.” So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, “Have patience with me, and I will pay you.” He refused and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and went and reported to their master… Then his master summoned him and said to him, “You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?” And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.'” Matthew 18:21-34
The principal actors in this parable depict opposite poles of attitude borne of spiritual viewpoint. One grasps the character and possibility of mercy because he knows the true King and the worth only He imparted. He acts with mercy from a grace-bought heart. The other pleads on the basis of the king’s benevolence and authority, receives the mercy he requests, yet begrudges his servitude. Instead of acting in kind out of gratitude for being forgiven, he in self-imposed importance requires repayment for a much lesser debt.
There is a stark contrast between a king who knows he is merely a servant, and a servant who pretends to or thinks he should be king. When we understand we are merely stewards of God’s grace, we gratefully receive and extend pity. But when we are smug masters of our universe, we strut in pride that neither knows nor offers pity. Grace understood and welcomed humbly becomes grace lavished on others. Pride prevents both the receiving and extending of merciful pity. (Proverbs 25:6-7; 29:23)
Have we come fully under God’s benevolent pity and allowed it to permeate our heart? Or are we so self-consumed that we measure only in offense and desert and self-defined rights? Do I demand that justice be served to all who offend or betray me while I live freely under the blessed cover of the One who served justice in my stead? How can I better comprehend the extent of God’s forgiveness so I can extend it to others? When will I take the time and focus to name my offenses against God and thank Him for His pity? (2 Corinthians 5:21; Ephesians 4:32; 1 John 1:9)
Lord, help me live out Spirit-inspired and empowered mercy so others know Your grace and salvation.
As the rain and snow 