janbear
01-28-2007, 07:47 AM
From Slow Burn to No Burn
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 19-20, Matthew 18:21-35
Key Verses: Matthew 18:32-33
We live an angry world. Too often there is not
even time for the proverbial "slow burn." For
example, road rage is typically an immediate
response. Another driver's actions cause not an
equal but usually greater reaction. Obviously,
forgiveness has no place in road rage. Revenge is
the preferred route.
Jesus, however, told His followers that
forgiveness is the only route to take. In this
parable, He pointed out how much we want to be
forgiven and not held accountable. The servant
fell on his knees and begged, "Be patient with me
and I will pay back everything" (v. 26). The
remarkable aspect of the story is that the debt
was forgiven.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, your
debt of sin has been forgiven. You are like the
servant in the parable.
There is more, though. That same servant was not
willing to forgive another. When the master heard
about it, he confronted the servant, saying, "I
canceled all that debt of yours .. Shouldn't you
have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I
had on you?" (v. 32-33).
To be forgiven like the servant is good. To be
unforgiving in return is wrong.
Ask God if you are failing to forgive someone. If
in your heart you know that is true, then forgive
that person now.
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 19-20, Matthew 18:21-35
Key Verses: Matthew 18:32-33
We live an angry world. Too often there is not
even time for the proverbial "slow burn." For
example, road rage is typically an immediate
response. Another driver's actions cause not an
equal but usually greater reaction. Obviously,
forgiveness has no place in road rage. Revenge is
the preferred route.
Jesus, however, told His followers that
forgiveness is the only route to take. In this
parable, He pointed out how much we want to be
forgiven and not held accountable. The servant
fell on his knees and begged, "Be patient with me
and I will pay back everything" (v. 26). The
remarkable aspect of the story is that the debt
was forgiven.
If you have accepted Jesus as your Savior, your
debt of sin has been forgiven. You are like the
servant in the parable.
There is more, though. That same servant was not
willing to forgive another. When the master heard
about it, he confronted the servant, saying, "I
canceled all that debt of yours .. Shouldn't you
have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I
had on you?" (v. 32-33).
To be forgiven like the servant is good. To be
unforgiving in return is wrong.
Ask God if you are failing to forgive someone. If
in your heart you know that is true, then forgive
that person now.