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Matthew 18:27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt.
In the parable of the unforgiving debtor, we read about a man who owed the local king 10,000 talents. Translating this into today’s currency, this peasant owed the king over 6 billion dollars. It’s a massive debt, and was likely a higher sum than all of the money in ancient Palestine.
But the point Jesus was making wasn’t about dollars and cents. It was to emphasize that, throughout our lifetime, there is no way we can pay the debt for our sins back to God. Jesus came to release us from that debt.
In Matthew 18:27, Jesus may very well use the word released quite intentionally. To forgive somebody of the sins they have committed against us is to release that burden.
At South Ridge Church, we believe that experiencing healthy conflict and practicing forgiveness is essential for our emotional and spiritual growth. Living like Jesus requires that we release the burden of unforgiveness and receive the gift of freedom from that burden.
READING & PRAYERS:
MATTHEW 18:21-35 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: When is the last time you experienced a real release of a significant burden you had been carrying? What was that experience like?
REAL LIFE PRACTICE: Are you doing too much?Practice slowing down and living life at the pace of your soul by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice daily. The app is free, and is available on iPhone and Android devices.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I think I am aware of what I may need to release, but I recognize there may be additional things deep beneath the surface in my life. Today, reveal to me anything else I may need to release, and help me take steps toward releasing these things over to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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