THE PRISON OF UNFORGIVENESS

Peter was impressed with himself—that he would forgive someone seven times.  Jesus was not.  He told him to forgive seventy times seven—which really signifies an infinite number of times, since seven is the perfect number, the number of completion.  “Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.” (Matthew‬ ‭18:21-22‬).

Then, Jesus told a story as follows:

“Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, ‘Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt.” (v.23-27‬). The king, is God, and we are the servant, who owes Him a debt of sin we can never pay.  Yet, in compassion, God has forgiven the repentant—at great cost, the death of His Son for us.

The Lord continued:

““But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, ‘Pay me what you owe!’ So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.’ And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt.” (v.28-30‬). Would we refuse to forgive our fellow servant who has sinned against us a small amount compared to the debt we owe God who has forgiven us?  Too often, we do.

Jesus further said:

“So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?’ And his master was angry, and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him.” (v.31-34‬). Unforgiveness becomes our prison, and we are tortured by bitterness.  We are not free until we are willing to release others of the debt we owe.

This was Jesus’ point, “So My heavenly Father also will do to you if each of you, from his heart, does not forgive his brother his trespasses.” (v.35‬). Let it go.  It is certainly to the benefit of your relationships with others.  It is demanded for our fellowship with God.  It is to your good to do so.