Text: Matthew 18:23-35 KJV
Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made. The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
MESSAGE
Men who are unmerciful place themselves under the Imperial arm of judgement. They do so much ill to their immortal souls. Anyone who does not learn to forgive will never obtain God’s favour.
If the merciful are blessed, then the unmerciful are cursed. May you not be cursed in Jesus’ Name. Amen. But check your life if you have been merciful, if not begin to plead with God to help you make amends.
In today’s text, the Lord gave us a clear instruction to show us the doom of the unmerciful – Hell. So being unmerciful can send a man to hell? Yes, some today claim to be Christian and keep malice and hold grudges against their fellow human being. They would not forgive, such does not possess the nature of Jesus Christ and is preparing for eternal condemnation.
Look closely at the parable, this servant owed so much and could not pay, and his lord knew he could not pay, he pled for mercy and he frankly forgave him so much debt. Should this servant not forgive a fellow servant who owed him so little? As he had received mercy, should he not show mercy to others? But rather than being merciful, he grabbed the man by the throat and hailed him to the prison.
How soon did he forget that he was in a bigger problem and was forgiven much? Did he consider himself deserving of mercy and others not deserving mercy? The unmerciful are wicked. No matter what position you hold in the church, you are a wicked servant if you are unmerciful to others.
God forgave us all our sins, knowing we could not pay by ourselves the penalties of sin. His expectation over our lives is that we forgive other men who offend us. That way we are showing gratitude to God for His mercy and pardon.
Have you been hurt and wronged and you feel you cannot forgive? Do you say, how can I forgive him or her for what was done to me? No reason is tenable before God. Why should Jesus forgive you if you cannot forgive others?
Stop calling on judgement, quit making God your enemy. You may not have so much time to live. Go and settle with those you have issues with. Whatever sacrifice you bring can wait. Start showing mercy and you will obtain mercy.
REFLECTION
With the merciful thou wilt shew thyself merciful; with an upright man thou wilt shew thyself upright;
Psalms 18:25
It is clear that God will show mercy to the merciful. You can also walk into abundance mercy from today if you chose to have mercy on others.
God bless you and have a great day.
Listen to the audio message below or follow this link
