by Kala Loptien

Forgiven and Freed

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Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”
Matt 18:21-22 ESV

The Parable of the Unmerciful (or Unforgiving) Servant has come up for us a few times this fall. I know I’ve read this passage before. But isn’t it amazing how God continues to reveal things in His word at specific stages in our life? Whether for encouragement or correction, this is our book for life in every sense of the word.

As a quick recap, Jesus shares of a king settling debts. One servant was unable to pay and his punishment originally was to be sold. He begged for more time and the king took pity on him. In the very next scene, that same servant found a colleague who owed him. Instead of offering the same grace, he choked him and had him thrown in jail. When the king heard this, he was incredibly angry that the same mercy was not extended. That servant was sent to jail until his debt could be paid. Yikes.

If you’re like me, you read these parables and other lessons the saints before us experienced, thinking at first, “Wow, that’s terrible!” I would have to guess that the disciples had a similar reaction. We know David definitely did; until Nathan’s direct rebuke: “That is YOU!” Jesus helps us recognize how easily we can become the antagonist in these parables, and he graciously offers a warning.

So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. Matt 18:35 ESV

What a convicting, humbling and critical moment for all of us. If we are forgiven, set free and sent forward to live and love like Jesus, then we can’t ever be the unforgiving servant. We cannot afford to lose sight of the only thing that matters. What a beautiful thing — to be forgiven and set free. Pass it on!

Copyright Holy Cross Lutheran Church, Colorado Springs, Colorado