Parable of the Ungrateful Servant
Matthew 18:21-35, World English Bible
Then Peter came and said to Him, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Until seven times?”
Why did the ungrateful servant treat his indebted friend so horribly after he was graciously forgiven of his own debts by the king? If you were to interview the ungrateful servant, you may find him in prison asking himself the same question. Did he suffer from short term memory loss? Did being forgiven give him a false sense of pride? We must remember that God forgives us of our sins, but does not take away our ability to sin. He empties our trash can but does not stop our ability to make more trash. We are forgiven, yet still human, always in need of His love and forgiveness.
Father God, I ask forgiveness for how I have treated my friends, family and even people I do not know. I have not shown them the love and respect they need. Help me to remember your forgiveness and love. Grant me the strength and courage to forgive these same people at times when it is so difficult Lord. Amen.
-Leah Staley