OFFER MERCY AND FORGIVENESS                                     Matthew 18:21-35

Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven. (v22)

Alexander III became the emperor of Rusia in 1881 after his father was assassinated. Suspecting that he could be a victim of the same conspiracies that took his father, Alexander III introduced repression of opponents as the corner stone of his reign. But his wife was a sharp contrast to him, being known for her generosity to the needy. On – one occasion, her husband signed an order consigning a prisoner to life in exile.

The statement read: “Pardon impossible, to be sent to Siberia.” Moved by compassion for the prisoner, the wife altered the statement by moving the comma, to read, “Pardon, impossible to be sent to Siberia.”

Forgiveness can be difficult especially when someone keeps offending you. Little wonder Peter sought clarification from Jesus about how many times one should forgive. Instead of seven times as Peter thought, Jesus said seventy times seven. In the parable, Jesus Christ depicted God as the master who pardoned the unpardonable servant. But this servant refused to extend forgiveness to a fellow servant because he had a wicked heart. He was quick to forget the mercy and forgiveness he had just received and so could not reciprocate forgiveness to his fellow servant. However, when the master got wind of what this servant did, he withdrew his pardon, condemned him and had him jailed. Unforgiveness is more costly than forgiveness. Someone said refusing to forgive is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Unforgiveness robs one of peace and brings emotional wounds.

PRAYER LINE: Lord, help me to always forgive easily.

___________________________________________________________ One who forgives will be forgiven by God (NBC