Pam Padgett ... teacher
Sometimes we find it hard to forgive those who have hurt or harmed us
in some way. But if we turn to God, He is able to help us break down
the hurt and resentment, and forgive from our hearts.
Recently the words that came out of my mouth showed that I had not
fully forgiven a contractor I had hired several years ago to remodel a
bathroom. The project went far over schedule due to his mis-management,
and he also said some hurtful things to me. I thought I had forgiven
him shortly after this happened. But when talking with a neighbor a few days ago, I told of how much longer the project took than scheduled and my words showed resentment. What our mouth speaks shows what is in our hearts Luke 6:45...A good man out of the good treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is good; and an evil man out of the evil treasure of his heart bringeth forth that which is evil: for of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaketh.
I turned to God and asked Him to help me completely forgive
this contractor, and was reminded of the parable of a king's servant who was
forgiven a large debt ...
Matthew 18:23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a
certain king, which would take account of his servants. 24 And when he
had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten
thousand talents. 25 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. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and
worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee
all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and
loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
Although he had been forgiven such a great debt, he would not show mercy to one of the other servants who owed him a very small amount ...
Matthew 18:28 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. 29
And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying,
Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but
went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
When his lord learned that the servant had not shown mercy toward his fellow
servant as had been shown to him, the lord turned the servant over to be tormented until he paid the large debt
...
Matthew 18:31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done,
they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was
done. 32 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: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy
fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth,
and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due
unto him.
35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also
unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother
their trespasses.
Considering the great mercy God has shown to me, I was greatly helped
in forgiving this contractor for the few things done to me.