The man was deeply in debt. He knelt before the king and begged him to forgive his debt. Then the king was moved with compassion. No sooner was this man set free than he went to his fellow servant, who owed him a small sum. The latter begged him to be patient with him until he could pay it all back. The unmerciful man had his fellow servant thrown into prison. When the king heard of this, he became very angry and had the hard-hearted debtor imprisoned and tortured until he had paid everything back.
Jesus told this parable to his disciples because they were arguing about how often one should forgive someone. In this parable, Jesus compared debt to money. \u2013 Every day, we hurt one another many times with our words and actions. We are indebted to one another and need forgiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
\n\u201cLord, how many times must I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?\u201d Jesus replied, \u201cI tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.\u201d<\/p>\nMatthew 18,21b-22<\/cite><\/blockquote>\n\n\n\n
Jesus gave his life as payment for our sins. He therefore asks that we, too, forgive those who treat us unfairly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
How hard is it for you to forgive your \u201cenemies\u201d?<\/p>\n\n\n\n