Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant, … ‘I canceled all that debt of yours … Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you.’ Matt. 18:32- 33
As Christians, forgiving those who wrong us is not optional. God requires it. We are to forgive no matter the magnitude of the offense. God even encourages the victim to take the initiative of going to the offender to resolve the issue. We are to forgive because God has forgiven us and demands that we do the same for all who offend us. We are to forgive as God forgave us – unconditionally, from the heart, and even forget the offense and never recall it again. Humanly speaking, we do not easily forget the wrongs we suffer from people, but when we forgive from our hearts, remembering such wrongs will lead to compassion and not resentment. A helpful way is to pray for the offender as Jesus and Stephen prayed – Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing. Lord, help us so to do this!
