Tag: Matthew 18:21-35

Monday Morning, 07 Oct 2019 – Matthew 18:21-35 ~ on heartfelt forgiveness

Monday Morning

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Opening –  A Collect for the Renewal of Life (Monday)

O God, the King eternal, whose light divides the day from the night and turns the shadow of death into the morning: Drive far from us all wrong desires, incline our hearts to keep your law, and guide our feet into the way of peace; that, having done your will with cheerfulness during the day, we may, when night comes, rejoice to give you thanks; through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

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Morning Reading – Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
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Morning Reflection:

on heartfelt forgiveness
“Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?”
– Matthew 18:33 –

As children of God, sometimes we forget that we are also His servants. The story Jesus told about the unforgiving servant clarifies our position as debtors in the household of God. So great was our debt that God sent His one and only Son to redeem us. Sins, trespasses and debts owed to us are minuscule in comparison.

Heartfelt forgiveness of those who have sinned against us is an extension of the mercy, and grace we have received from God. It’s the act of a servant, an act of of humility. It requires a moment of clarity regarding the ways we have broken God’s heart, and an overwhelming sense of gratitude for His mercy and grace.

Questions for consideration:

  • Are you having trouble forgiving someone who has hurt you? Please explain.
  • Do you rehearse the event, or do you release it to God? Please explain.
  • Do you find yourself becoming resentful or bitter? Please explain.
  • Does negativity affect other areas of your life? Please explain.
  • Does discouragement or discontent rob you of joy and peace? Please explain.
  • Is there another believer that you can talk with who will pray with you and help you extend to another, the grace God has extended to you. Please explain.

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Morning Prayer: For Forgiveness –

Heavenly Father: I have sinned against you, through my own fault, in thought, and word, and deed, and in what I have left undone. For the sake of your Son my Lord Jesus Christ, forgive me all my offenses;
and grant that I may serve you in newness of life, to the glory of your Name.

Father, bless me with the wonderful power of forgiveness, give me the grace to unconditionally forgive those who have done me wrong. Give me the strength to let go of ill-will, the strength to forgive myself of my own failings and sins, knowing that you have already forgiven me. Free me of all anger, bitterness, hate, and unforgiveness. In the Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.
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Forgiveness” – Matthew West

https://youtu.be/IPZxnsF747w?rel=0
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Closing:

May the peace of the Lord Christ go with you, wherever He may send you. May He guide you through the wilderness, and protect you through the storm. May He bring you home rejoicing at the wonders He has shown you. May He bring you home rejoicing once again into our doors.

+ In the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit. Amen

15th Sunday after Pentecost: 17 Sep – Matthew 18:21-35 ~ forgive one another

15th Sunday after Pentecost

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Prayer

Undaunted you seek the lost, O God, exultant you bring home the found. Touch our hearts with grateful wonder at the tenderness of your forbearing love. Grant us delight in the mercy that has found us and bring all to rejoice at the feast of forgiveness. We ask this through our Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, God for ever and ever.
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“Psalm 103 Reading” – Hillsong


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Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)

Parable of the Unforgiving Debtor

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
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Intercessory Prayer

Heavenly Father: You are compassionate, full of loving-kindness; hear us as we approach Your throne of grace in prayer –

+ For forgiveness among believers, that we may treat each other as You treat us…. Lord, hear us.
+ For an end to vengeance and hatred, that all people may learn to live together in peace…. Lord, hear us.
+ For men, women and children who have been dispossessed by war and violence, that they may find rest…. Lord, hear us.
+ For all who suffer because of natural disasters, that they receive help and hope…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who respond to the needy, that they may be filled with compassion and guided by Your Spirit…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those who mourn the loss of loved ones, that they may be comforted…. Lord, hear us.
+ For those whose have died in Christ, that they may rest in His eternal redemption…. Lord, hear us.

God of mercy and compassion: You heal every one of our ills: help us, we pray through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.
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“Forgiven” – Crowder


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Concluding Prayer – Psalm 106:4-5 (NLT)

Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people; come near and rescue me. Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones. Let me rejoice in the joy of your people; let me praise you with those who are your heritage.
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+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Morning Prayer: 01 March – Matthew 18:21-35 ~ the generosity of God

Tuesday of the Third Week of Lent

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!

Opening Sentence

Seek the Lord while you can find him. Call on him now while he is near. (Isaiah 55:6)

Morning Reading: Matthew 18:21-35 (NLT)

Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”

“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!

“Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt.

Bankruptcy

“But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.

“But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment.

“His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full.

“When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

“That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”

Morning Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, bread of heaven, “feed me til I want no more” and strengthen me to meet the challenges of the day.

+ Forgive me, Lord, for I have sinned; I have sinned against you.
+ Hear me, Lord, and take away my guilt by your saving grace.
+ Cleanse me from all unrighteousness and restore a right spirit within me.
+ Give me a grace-filled heart towards those who have sinned against me.
+ And, make me a gracious forgiver of repeat offenders.

Do not withdraw your grace from me, faithful God: for by grace alone can I give myself to your service and receive your help in my every need. Guide me in this Lenten journey; I ask through my Lord Jesus Christ, your Son, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.

“Guide Me, O Thou Great Redeemer” – CWM RHONDDA

Closing Sentence

Let the wicked change their ways and banish the very thought of doing wrong. Let them turn to the Lord that he may have mercy on them. Yes, turn to our God, for he will forgive generously. (Isaiah 55:7)

+ In the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen!