Show Some Mercy

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35
Key Verse: Matthew 18:27

There isn’t a single day on this Earth where someone somewhere doesn’t do something wrong whether it is an accident or intentional. We may say something to someone that we think is appropriate and offend them. We might jokingly hit someone and trigger their anger. Someone may borrow something with the intent of returning it and forget that it is in their possession. Regardless of the situation or who commits the action, we must be willing to forgive and show mercy because that is what God does for us daily.
In the parable of the unmerciful servant, Jesus illustrates that we cannot have limits to forgiveness (v.22). While the verse says seventy-seven times, this is an exaggeration because we shouldn’t be keeping count of the offenses of others. I’m sure that even if we tried, we would lose count somewhere along the way.
Beyond the practicality of the scripture, it is important to acknowledge the natural desire “to settle accounts” with those who have wronged us (v.23). There is nothing wrong with wanting closure or giving closure to tense situations, but you must check your heart in the process. When you approach the person who wronged you, you can’t assume the worst because you never know why the situation unfolded in a particular way. For example, we may have been truly been hurt by a person’s words but that wasn’t their intent. In that moment, both people can learn a valuable lesson about communication. In the scriptures, however, we see that the king had already decided on the servant’s fate before the servant had a chance to explain himself (v.25). The rushed decision was harsh and allowed no room for rebuilding or redemption.
Let’s look at the dynamics of the opening few verses. The servant owed the king money. Money or the lack of it can bring out a completely different side of some people. When the king realized the servant was unable to pay, the king wanted to go to the extreme to get his money back. I bet if you really think about it there is probably a time in your life where you went to the extreme to get even with someone as well.
Another way to look at it is by examining the positions of the people. The king was above the servant. In life, there are some people who are below us in status and this parable shows us that we shouldn’t treat them cruelly because of their status. We watch the servant beg for mercy and the king changes his mind (v.26-27).
As children of God, we must be careful of punishing someone for an action that we were just forgiven of (v.28). Despite being forgiven of his debt, the servant took it upon himself to go collect the debt someone owed him. The same grace we are shown is what we must extend to others.
If we choose not to show mercy, someone will notice and even if no one on Earth notices, God does (v.31). We should want to show mercy to others. We should want to see others live a prosperous life. A mentality rooted in forgiveness is a great start to being able to show mercy.
God shows each of us mercy every day. He protects us from dangers seen and unseen. He allows us to have breath in our bodies. He even gives us multiple chances even when we promise not to repeat the same action. It is only fair that we extend that same kindness to others. Saying, “I forgive you” is not enough. The scripture reminds us that forgiveness must come from the heart (v.35). So, we can’t hold a grudge and toss back in the person’s face later. It must be authentic. We must show mercy.

Prayer: Lord, today I want to thank you for the mercy that you have shown me. As your humble servant, I realize I owe you so much. I pray that you help me to forgive others the way you forgive me. Help me to move past grudges and start over again. If I have wronged anyone in word or in deed, help me to ask their forgiveness so that I may move forward in life. I thank you in advance for the great works you are about to do. In Jesus’ name, Amen.