Jesus teaches that we must always forgive because we have been greatly forgiven. No matter how big the hurt we must forgive. That is what we say each time we pray the Our Father: “Forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
How difficult this forgiveness is for us human beings! Many people hold grudges and refuse to let go. Unwillingness to forgive fuels the fires of resentment and bitterness, doing harm to both the person incapable of forgiving and the one needing forgiveness. Such people will never find real peace in their lives as long as they are incapable of forgiving. As George Herbert said, “He who cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself.”
Jesus’ parable also reinforces a theme that runs throughout all the New Testament: we must forgive in order to be forgiven. If we do not forgive others, then we cannot hope for God’s forgiveness. This again challenges us to look at our expectations. How often we expect others not to take our mistakes or shortcomings seriously! How easily we hope that others will forgive us our follies! Yet are we able to offer others the same understanding and forgiveness? Or do we refuse to offer the same forgiveness that we often take for granted from others? What does the concept of God’s forgiveness mean to me? Do I believe in such forgiveness and if so, how does it change the way I live?
Adapted from Word on the Go, a downloadable resource from RENEW International.