I have been contemplating the parable of the “unmerciful servant” who has his own debt wiped away but refuses to forgive another servant who only owed him a few cents.
The story is teaching us about Forgiveness and Mercy.
People often say that they try to treat others how they want to be treated, but when a traumatic event happens hard heartedness overtakes them, they cannot forgive and extend mercy.
What is forgiveness and mercy? And why should we extend forgiveness and mercy to others?
Forgiveness is the deliberate decision to release negative feelings towards a person that has harmed you, regardless of whether they deserve your forgiveness.
Mercy is an act of kindness, compassion, or favor to an offender, an enemy or those in distress when you have the power to punish or harm them.
As to why we should extend forgiveness and mercy, a good example of that is in the parable of the adulterous woman.
The law of the land at the time was that the woman was to be stoned to death for committing adultery. However, Jesus Christ said to the scribes and the Pharisees "Let him who is without sin among you be the first to throw a stone at her." But when they heard it, they went away one by one, and Jesus was left alone with the woman standing before him. Jesus stood up and said to her, "Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?" She said, "No one, Lord." And Jesus said, "Neither do I condemn you; go, and from now on sin no more."
This story is teaching us that only the sinless were worthy of casting the first stone.
None of us are perfect so we should not be judging another person and condemning them. Therefore, we should be showing others mercy.
As you go about your life especially when you face trials, try to remember the principle of extending forgiveness and mercy to others if you want that same extended to you.
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