Unforgiveness is still one area the enemy uses to put believers in bondage. Unforgiveness before God is sin, and one of the biggest reasons why prayers of many children of God are not heard. Unforgiveness is killer of faith and without faith as the bible teaches us, it is impossible to please God. Therefore, as directed by the Holy-Spirit, let us together briefly consider the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant in the bible
The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from the book of Matthew (Matthew 18:23-35 ESV) provides valuable insights into forgiveness.
“23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants.[a] 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.[b] 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant[c] fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii,[d] and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers,[e] until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”
Here are eight strategies you can learn from this parable that will help you walk in forgiveness:
Limitless Forgiveness: Jesus emphasizes that forgiveness should be boundless. Just as the king forgave the servant’s enormous debt, we should extend forgiveness repeatedly, even when hurt multiple times by others.
Recognize Our Own Debt: The servant in the parable owed an astronomical sum, yet he was forgiven. Similarly, we must recognize our own need for forgiveness and extend it to others, regardless of the offense.
Compassion and Mercy: The king showed compassion and mercy to the servant. We should cultivate a heart of compassion, understanding that everyone makes mistakes and needs forgiveness.
Release the “Bill”: Forgiveness involves releasing the “bill” owed to us. Just as the master cancelled the servant’s debt, we should let go of grudges and resentment, freeing ourselves from emotional burdens.
Avoid Revenge: The unforgiving servant sought revenge on his fellow servant. Instead, we should resist the urge to retaliate and choose forgiveness over vengeance.
Forgive from the Heart: The master expected genuine forgiveness, not just outward compliance. We should forgive sincerely, allowing our hearts to heal and move forward.
Learn from God’s Example: The parable highlights God’s forgiveness toward us. As recipients of divine mercy, we should emulate God’s forgiveness by extending it to others.
Practice Daily Forgiveness: To truly embrace forgiveness in our daily lives, we must make a conscious effort to practice it each day. This includes forgiving ourselves for our mistakes, forgiving others who have hurt us, and asking God for the strength to move forward.
May we learn from this parable and cultivate a forgiving spirit, reflecting God’s grace and love in our interactions with others.
Altar call: For anyone reading this article who is not saved and wants to be part of the family of God or you want to re-dedicate your life back to Jesus, please repeat this out loud. “Lord Jesus, I acknowledge that I have sinned against you. Lord Jesus forgive me of my sins. I repent of my sins. Lord Jesus come into my life and be my Lord now and forever in Jesus Name“
Prayer:
- Powers, forces, negative events promoting bitterness in my heart and making it hard for me to let go and forgive, I come against you now by the power in the blood of Jesus, release me now and depart from my life, in Jesus Name
- I receive grace from God to forgive, just as my heavenly Father forgives me, in Jesus Name
- I will walk in forgiveness and not bitterness or resentment, in Jesus Name
Feast of Light Word Ministry
