The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant

Jesus told this parable in response to Peter's question, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jewish tradition required forgiving another person three times, so Peter probably thought he was being generous to offer seven times. But Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times." In other words, forgiveness must be unlimited. The servant owed the king an absurdly large amount of money; he could never hope to pay it back. But just as the king was merciful and forgave his servant's impossibly huge debt, God is also merciful and will forgive our sins, no matter how many or how large.

But just as the king angrily revoked the unforgiving servant's pardon, God will not forgive our sins unless we extend our mercy to others and sincerely forgive them for any wrongs they have done to us.

The lesson is clear: we must forgive if we wish to be forgiven by God. There is no room in the Christian life for revenge, retaliation, getting even or holding a grudge.

Related Verses

 * Proverbs 19:11
 * Matthew 5:44-45, 6:12, 6:14-15
 * Mark 11:25
 * Luke 6:37, 17:3-4
 * Romans 12:14, 12:17-19
 * Ephesians 4:31-32
 * Colossians 3:12-14
 * 1 Peter 3:10
 * James 2:13
 * 1 John 4:20-21