Extending The Love Of God Through Forgiving Others
Extending The Love Of God Through Forgiving Others
Matthew 18:21-35.
Forgiveness is a pivotal pillar of the gospel. It is the means through which we came into the kingdom of God- Colossians 1:14 In whom we have redemption through his blood, even the forgiveness of sins.
Most assuredly, it remains one of the key components that aid our continued walk with God and our interaction with the brethren. A critical look at the mystery of redemption will show us the depth of love that made God pay the ultimate price to obliterate our sin and sinfulness, that is the sacrifice of His only son. This profound love gives us an insight that love and forgiveness are two inseparable entities and they are mutually inclusive.
This parable of Christ from the text teaches us a very cogent lesson on forgiveness. The unit of comparison of these two related events is the “100,000 talents and 100 denaries”. In today’s world, this would translate to a massive gap in the forgiveness we received at Calvary and the ones we are to show to our fellow humans. One talent is equal to 6000 denaries as reported by some historical experts. This means the Lord of the unjust servant forgave him 60 million denaries and he couldn’t forgive his fellow of 100 denaries. What a man!
Today, many people are suffering and have locked themselves against their liberation since they remain adamant and find it difficult to forgive others of a hurtful past deed. The enemy will continue to hold it against them- Matthew 6:15 But if all of you forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.
However, we must also guard against being a source of continual offense. Many people fail to take cognizance of the impact of their actions and behaviors toward others and keep doing the same hurtful things over and over again. This is quite common in some marriages where the couples always take the state of the other for granted- Colossians 3:19 Husbands, love your wives and be not bitter against them. Christian marriage must be filled with love, respect, and forgiveness.
1 The love of God is greater far
than tongue or pen can ever tell;
it goes beyond the highest star,
and reaches to the lowest hell.
The wand’ring child is reconciled
by God’s beloved Son.
The aching soul again made whole,
and priceless pardon won.
Refrain:
O love of God, how rich and pure!
How measureless and strong!
It shall forevermore endure—
the saints’ and angels’ song.
2 When ancient time shall pass away,
and human thrones and kingdoms fall;
when those who here refuse to pray
on rocks and hills and mountains call;
God’s love so sure, shall still endure,
all measureless and strong;
grace will resound the whole earth round—
the saints’ and angels’ song. [Refrain]
3 Could we with ink the ocean fill,
and were the skies of parchment made;
were ev’ry stalk on earth a quill,
and ev’ryone a scribe by trade;
to write the love of God above
would drain the ocean dry;
nor could the scroll contain the whole,
though stretched from sky to sky. [Refrain]
