To be able to forgive is an important part of being able to live together in community. Whenever Jesus was confronted with the question of ‘forgiveness’ – the answer was always the same: that forgiveness was to be an ‘ongoing’ interpersonal action between followers. Forgiveness is a ‘Kingdom Value’ that continues – when we have done it, still we must keep on doing it. The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant which follows in Matthew’s Gospel suggests that God holds us all accountable to forgive – as we have been forgiven. And the story implies we have already been granted clemency, mercy, freedom from this debt. The point here is really that the unpayable, immeasurable, uncountable debt has already been repaid by God and that demands our mercy upon others, in turn, as the only reasonable reaction and response.We owe God for this debt – we always will, but it has been wiped away – simply out of God’s compassion. Of course, it is never easy to forgive – this is a huge challenge for all of us. The parable also warns there might be limits as well, for those who are unwilling to show mercy, as sincerely, as God already has. It speaks of judgment, but the point is really, how people in fellowship relate to each other. Perhaps we are called to hear the parable’s concluding warning and pray for strength to resist the temptation of ‘getting even’ with those who hurt us and for grace to reflect the simply ‘majestic mercifulness’ of the Kingdom of Heaven.
Mark
Focus Questions
*How can you continue to keep forgiving when someone continues to do wrong?
*What more can we do as a community of faith to reflect the Kingdom through our forgiveness and mercy?
