Forgive for being forgiven

The servant fell to the ground, paid him homage and said: "Be patient with me and I will repay you in full." Moved with compassion, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the loan. Matthew 18: 26–27

This is a story about giving and receiving forgiveness. Interestingly, forgiving is often easier than asking for forgiveness. Sincerely asking for forgiveness requires honestly acknowledging one's sin, which is difficult to do. It is difficult to take responsibility for what we have done wrong.

In this parable, the man who asks for patience with his debt seems to be sincere. He "fell" before his master asking for mercy and patience. And the master replied mercifully by forgiving him the entire debt that was more than the servant had even requested.

But was the servant really sincere or was he just a good actor? He seems to have been a good actor because as soon as he was forgiven this huge debt, he ran into someone else who really owed him money and instead of showing the same forgiveness he was shown: "He took it and started suffocate him, asking: "Repay what you owe".

Forgiveness, if it is real, must affect everything that concerns us. It is something that we must ask, give, receive and give again. Here are some points to consider:

Can you honestly see your sin, feel pain for that sin and say "I'm sorry" for another?
When you are forgiven, what does this do to you? Does it have the effect of making you more merciful to others?
Can you in turn offer the same level of forgiveness and mercy that you hope to receive from God and others?
If you can't answer "Yes" to all these questions, this story has been written for you. It was written for you to help you grow more in the gifts of mercy and forgiveness. These are difficult questions to address but they are essential questions to be addressed if we are to be freed from the burdens of anger and resentment. Anger and resentment weigh heavily on us and God wants us to get rid of them.

Reflect today on these questions above and prayerfully examine your actions. If you find resistance to these questions, then focus on what strikes you, bring it to prayer and let the grace of God come in to bring about a deeper conversion in that area of ​​your life.

Lord, I recognize my sin. But I recognize it in the light of your abundant grace and mercy. When I receive that mercy in my life, please make me just as merciful to others. Help me to offer forgiveness freely and fully, withholding nothing. Jesus I believe in you