Why Forgive, Mt.18:21-22

1 Action: A forgiving heart

1 Action: A forgiving heart

1.1 The debt .

Matthew 18:23–24 ESV

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents.

1.2 The decree .

Matthew 18:25 ESV

25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made.

1.3 The desperation .

Matthew 18:26 ESV

26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’

1.4 The deliverance .

Matthew 18:27 ESV

27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt.

2 Action: An unforgiving heart

2.1 The pitiful request .

Matthew 18:28–29 ESV

28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’

2.2 The pitiless response .

Matthew 18:30 ESV

30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.

3 Action on an unforgiving heart

3.1 The outrage reminder .

Matthew 18:31–32 ESV

31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me.

3.2 The outrage rebuke .

Matthew 18:33 ESV

33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’

3.3 The outcome .

Matthew 18:34 ESV

34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt.

3.4 The overall lesson .

Matthew 18:35 ESV

35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”