Grabbing people by the throat
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This morning around the breakfast table, we read as a family the parable of the unmerciful servant.
One of the lessons of that parable is that Jesus is merciful, even to those who have accrued serious debts.
Ultimately we all fall short of the glory of God and each of us relies upon the merits and mercy of him who is mighty to save. I realize that this truth doesn’t jive with the cultural movement of self-acceptance and the ‘you’re perfect just the way you are’ philosophy but this is nevertheless the case for everyone.
Fortunately God didn’t send his son to condemn us but to save us. I don’t understand all the why’s and how’s of Gods plan, but I accept them.
But it’s clear to me from this parable and other scriptures that the mercy, grace and forgiveness I seek and desire and hope to obtain are intimately connected with, and dependent upon my also offering mercy, grace and forgiveness to others.
I have read this parable in the past, and like many others have wondered at the immediate forgetfulness and foolishness of the first servant.
But today I thought about some of the times I have grabbed people figuratively around the throat and demanded payment.
C.S. Lewis wrote that “Every one says forgiveness is a lovely idea, until they have something to forgive”
I think this is true for mercy, tolerance, understanding and so many other Christlike virtues. Sometimes we ask for forgiveness from a loving God and then immediately demand payment for the misgivings and shortcomings of others.
Sadly it is often the people closest to us who we demand payment from. We may hold a grudge against our spouse, expect an apology from a child, or give the silent treatment to a friend.
If this is us, we have great cause for repentance. The master in the parable when he heard the story was quick and decisive in his decision. None of us want to be cast out.
Perhaps in the wake of Easter and it’s empty tomb, we should remember that Christ died to save us, so we should also let our grudges, hatred and lack of mercy die too so that people can live and move past their mistakes.
I’m not suggesting that this is easy or painless, but it is essential if we are to obtain the peace, hope and forgiveness we desire.
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