Forgiven forgive
Debt forgiven, empathy shown
In Matthew 18:21–35, Peter asks Jesus how many times he should forgive a brother who sins against him, suggesting up to seven times. Jesus responds that forgiveness should be extended seventy-seven times, illustrating the boundless nature of forgiveness. He then shares the parable of the unforgiving servant:
A king owed a servant an astronomical debt of ten thousand talents. When the servant pleaded for mercy, the king forgave the entire debt, demonstrating immense compassion and forgiveness. However, that same servant went out and refused to forgive a fellow servant who owed him a much smaller amount—only a hundred denarii. When the king later learned of this, he was angered and handed the unforgiving servant over to be punished until he could repay the entire debt.
This parable highlights the contrast between the gracious forgiveness we receive from God and our often reluctant, insufficient forgiveness toward others. It teaches that we must forgive others fully and freely, just as God forgives us.
(ai summarized)
“ “For this reason, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. As he began settling his accounts, a man who owed ten thousand talents was brought to him. Because he was not able to repay it, the lord ordered him to be sold, along with his wife, children, and whatever he possessed, and repayment to be made. Then the slave threw himself to the ground before him, saying, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you everything.’ The lord had compassion on that slave and released him, and forgave him the debt. After he went out, that same slave found one of his fellow slaves who owed him one hundred silver coins. So he grabbed him by the throat and started to choke him, saying, ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ Then his fellow slave threw himself down and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will repay you.’ But he refused. Instead, he went out and threw him in prison until he repaid the debt. When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were very upset and went and told their lord everything that had taken place. Then his lord called the first slave and said to him, ‘Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’ And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.””