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

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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.

Pass It On

Twenty years ago, I was fortunate to watch the Olympic Torch makes its way to Atlanta. Dave Thomas, the late founder of Wendy’s International, was the torch bearer in my neighborhood.


You probably know the process. A group of torch bearers carry the lit torch from the previous site of the Olympics to the current site of the Olympics. The Olympic Spirit, represented by the flame, is said to leave the previous city and move on to the current city.

The Olympic tradition had been with us for many centuries and is a fun one to rally around.

But, imagine what would happen if the torch was dropped, or did not make it from one torch bearer to the next.
 

Today’s reading is Matthew 18:21-35.
 

A servant owed a large sum of money to his lord. The servant begged and pleaded so the lord forgave his debt.
 

The servant had a servant of his own who owed him a very small sum of money. The “forgiven” servant demanded payment. He had been forgiven a huge debt, yet he refused to forgive a very small debt.
 

The first servant dropped the torch and he paid for his transgression.
 

Through Christ’s death, God has forgiven us much. He has shed his grace on us and has shown us great love. Our response is to forgive others, shed God’s grace on others and show God’s great love by our actions toward others.
 

We are torch bearers of Jesus, the Light of the World! We get to show the Spirit of the Lord to the world!
 

Pass it on!

Grow and Go

Matthew 18:19 (NIV)
  "Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them."

As Jesus was preparing those He loved for His departure, He shared words of encouragement. More than likely His friends were afraid, wondering how they would survive in the world without Him. He had become so important to them, especially after all the experiences they shared. Jesus prepared them for this day, He loved them into this moment letting them know He would always be with them.

Life was about the change for this chosen band of believers. They could sense it and wanted to keep things as they were.  How many times have I done the same thing?  How many times have I clung to the past while being forced into the future? My comfort zone is my safe place; it is where I am familiar and comfortable.  What's wrong with that?

Everything. When I keep myself tucked in my cocoon of comfort I am not growing or changing. If I stay wrapped up in my past how can I experience the future God has prepared? I must admit, thoughts and imaginings of that future are often what hold me back.  The future is different, challenging and I don't need that right now. How often have I cried out to God, "take me back? I don't want to step into tomorrow, I want to stay here."

The two verses I chose to write on today speak to me of God's love and commitment to stay connected to me always.  They instruct me to stay close to my brothers and sisters and God will make His presence known to me/us by His Holy Spirit. This is 'one-anothering', as Jesus intended it to be.

Jesus said, "Go, make disciples." I can't do that unless I actually step up and step out and GO.

Matthew 18:21-35

To learn more about this topic check out this workshop which will be offered next weekend.