Central Truth

There are some great phrases in life that we love to hear: “I love you”, and “Dinner is ready" are certainly favorites of mine. But there are two phrases that have more potential than we realize. The first is “I’m sorry,” and the second is “You’re forgiven.” 

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Reflections

We all mess up. We speak harmful words and offend our friends. We cross the line and we stop talking. Sometimes it's unintentional and sometimes we know exactly what we are doing to create pain in others. These are the moments we need to ask for forgiveness. When we do, we are humbling ourselves and recognizing that we have fallen short of the expectations in the relationship. 

Forgiving others? Now, that's even more challenging, but Scripture takes this issue very seriously, in fact Matthew 6:15 says that our own forgiveness is based on our ability to forgive others.

Unforgiveness comes with a whole host of negative consequences. It destroys your health. It costs you time, energy, and resources. It hinders your prayers. It robs your joy. It results in bitterness and anger, leaving behind permanent scars. Ultimately, unforgiveness shows lack of faith in God and His Word. You have to ask yourself, “Is it worth it?”

When we look at Matthew 18:21-35, we can see that unforgiveness is demanding perfection out of someone else that you yourself cannot attain. It is clear that the talents are used as a metaphor for sin towards God. The debt of sin is great and no one can repay it. But God, in his great mercy gives us pardon from our sin. When we asked, he forgave – period. God’s love covered our debts. When God buries our sins in the deepest sea, He posts a sign that reads: No Fishing! Forgiving others is simply extending the same mercy that God has extended to us. In fact, when we forgive, that's when we are most like Jesus.

Matthew uses an expression of speech called hyperbole to show how great our sin is compared to other’s sin against us. In today’s terms, if we compare debts it would be 1 to 1,250,000. That is enormous. The offenses done against us are nothing compared to the sin we have against God. Paul puts it this way, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NIV)  

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Discussion Questions

1. Take a moment and reflect on the forgiveness of God that has been extended to you.

2. Is there anyone in your life that needs your forgiveness?

3. What is the next step you need to take to heal that relationship?

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