PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Matthew 18:15-35
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?” (Matthew 18:33)
Jesus is urging His followers to be merciful, because we all need mercy.
This is more challenging for those who have been severely harmed.
This issue is academic for me, I’ve not been abused or denied justice.
A few questions come to mind as I read these words:
* Do we need to forgive those who do not admit it or ask for mercy?
* Can God show mercy to those who struggle to forgive?
* Could the first servant have pleaded for mercy again?
The main point, it seems to me, is that we all need mercy.
We need God’s help as much as they do, for our struggles and failures.
When we forgive, we are as much releasing ourselves as them.
We are handing them over to God, and letting God deal with it.
We are refusing to let their crimes define us, or make us bitter.
We are letting go of revenge to let God work out justice and mercy.
If you struggle to show mercy, admit it and seek God’s mercy and help!
Jesus shows us how much God is prepared to help us, if we ask for it.
Lord Jesus, if I struggle with showing mercy, how much more those who have been brutally abused or cruelly mistreated. Lord, have mercy on us all, and help us to break this cycle of hate and hurt by overcoming it with mercy.