The Unforgiving Servant

July 16, 2020

Following on yesterday’s theme of non-material open handedness, this teaching from Jesus challenges us to give expensively when it comes to forgiveness. This is not easy to do. As you study, ask God to show you how you can become as forgiving as Jesus is calling you to be. 

STUDY THE SCRIPTURE

Click here to access the reading from Matthew 18:21-35

For more help use this Bible Study method

REFLECTION

Forgiving...Can You Imagine?

By  Kelsey Bacon

  

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things we as Christians struggle with. Forgiving others, forgiving ourselves, accepting God's forgiveness, asking for forgiveness. The concept that we set aside our own desires, our own thoughts, and feelings, we truly shed the human mantle of selfishness for a moment in order to forgive or receive forgiveness. It truly is a thing that could only come from God because it goes so against our human nature.

We are naturally so selfish. You can see it clearly in today's story. A friend told me recently that the older you get, the more and more you realize how selfish you are. When you're growing up and you're on your own, you might see some selfish tendencies in yourself. But then you get married, and you really realize how selfish you are, and how much you want your own agenda. And then you have kids, and you realize it even more. I laughed when she said this, but only because I know it's true. I don't have kids yet, but even in the short time I've been married I've learned even more of my own selfishness. But to forgive is true humility. It's to set aside your anger, your need to be right, your stubbornness (which I happen to have a LOT of). To forgive is to cancel the debt.

And when we receive forgiveness, we are also living in humility. When we humbly accept the gracious forgiveness of God and others, we set aside our pride, admitting our faults, accepting the fact that we can't do it on our own, that we need help, that we make mistakes. This is the kind of forgiveness that Jesus gives us, all day, every day. And this is the kind of forgiveness that, because of Jesus, we can then turn around and give to others.

Except that sometimes we are selfish. Actually, a lot of the time we are selfish. And we don't want to forgive. More often than not, I think, we just find it easier to let issues die and "forget" about them, burying them deep where they don't actually heal, but stew and fester and get worse. We do this because it's easier on our pride than looking someone in the eye and asking for forgiveness, or truly doing the heart work of forgiving someone. But we see in the example of Jesus that that work is worth it because it is through forgiveness that we have healing, love, and everlasting life. 

So, I encourage you today. Be open-handed with your forgiveness. Are you harboring anger or pride that might be stopping you from forgiving someone? Or do you feel guilt or shame about something for which you need to ask for forgiveness?

Jesus gives his forgiveness freely to anyone who asks, without hesitation, without stubbornness, pride, or "I told you so." So let's forgive and receive forgiveness with open hands.

UALC’S CAMPAIGN OF PRAYER 

THURSDAY: TRIUMPH

Pray for scientists all over the world seeking antidotes to heal the world of this virus. Pray they would be triumphant quickly.