The Pain of Unforgiveness

1 Chronicles 14-15; Psalms 132; Matthew 18 

“Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you? In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 18:33-35

One of the evidences of our salvation is that we live with grateful awareness of Christ’s mercy and forgiveness. When this awareness dims, we have drifted from a gospel-focused life into a self-focused existence.

How did we respond the last time someone hurt us, betrayed us, ignored us, or dishonored us?

Jesus’ story of the unmerciful servant ends with some very challenging words. He promises us that unforgiveness has consequences that are painful. Our Father in heaven will turn us over to the ‘jailers to be tortured’. Forgiveness is not an option for a Christ-follower.

How much physical pain is the fruit of relational unforgiveness?

Living a gospel-centered life means we live with humility, forgiveness, and gratitude. The alternative is painful.

“Lord Jesus, I choose to forgive and daily walk the path of forgiveness, for your glory.”