Forgiveness From the Heart

Scripture:

Matthew 18:34-35 "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."

Observation:

Jesus told a story about a man being forgiven of a huge debt, then the man went and found someone who owed him a fraction of what he was released from and demanded payment.  Jesus said that man was sent to prison to be tortured until he had paid his debt.  Then Jesus goes on and says that's what God the Father will do to us if we don't forgive from the heart. 

Application:

These are very scary words from the Master.  These words let us know how serious God is about forgiveness.  He had to pay for our forgiveness with His Son's blood and death.  He expects us to forgive people the same way He forgives us.  We should make it part of our life's mission to be quick to forgive.  Christ forgave us, we have no reason not to forgive those who hurt us.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be quick to forgive and to truly always forgive from the heart.  Help me to never get cynical about this, but to take it as seriously as You do.  Let my life reflect Your glory.  Let my life be an example of someone who truly follows You with integrity of heart.

Yours,
Jeff