Sin is an action that requires forgiveness. Obviously, we
cannot forgive someone if he or she believes his or her action is not sinful. Only
when a person admits their sin can we forgive. This is what Jesus is saying
here. People will sin against us and we have to tell them that they sinned against
us, yet if they do
not believe that they are a sinner, is it possible to forgive? Surely, we can forgive them because we know that all have fallen short of the glory of God. Yet, we will distance ourselves from them as to not become subject of that sin again. Therefore, is it necessary to tell someone that they DID sin against us less they believe they did not sin?
Matthew 18:23 Therefore
is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king,
Who is the king in this story? God…which would take account of
his servants….Who are the servants? We are..
Matthew 18:24 And
when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten
thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him
to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be
made.
There are consequences to sin. Notice that the king has the authority
to enact the punishment for sin of the servant.
26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him,
saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord
of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the
debt.
A repentant person is someone who admits his or her sin and
is willing to change so that they would not wish to do the same sin ever again.
God is merciful and compassionate for the repentant sinner, but He will not
tolerate those who say they do not sin. There is forgiveness and restoration
for the repentant person, but woe to you who does not have mercy on the repentant
sinner as the king had mercy on you….
28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his
fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and
took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his
fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience
with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but went and cast him
into prison, till he should pay the debt.
31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were
very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his
lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I
forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou
also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
34 And his lord was
wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due
unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from
your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
We must have mercy and forgiveness for those who seek mercy
and forgiveness. We cannot say or know if a person is truly repentant unless
they admit that they sinned against us. However, nowhere is there a limit to
forgiveness if a person comes to you seven times repenting of the same sin. God
calls us to forgive as Christ forgave us, seventy times seven…Our actions of love
and humility will only serve to please the Lord who surely will have the final
say on the Day of Judgment. Only God knows the heart condition of the individual.The Lord gives us clear passages to handle those
who have sinned against us. He also gives us the correct action to those who do
not repent. This is a loving response to bring the person to humility.
Matthew 18:15 Moreover
if thy brother shall trespass against thee, go and tell him his fault between
thee and him alone: if he shall hear thee, thou hast gained thy brother. 16 But
if he will not hear thee, then take with thee one or two more, that in the
mouth of two or three witnesses every word may be established. 17And if he
shall neglect to hear them, tell it unto the church: but if he neglect to hear
the church, let him be unto thee as an heathen man and a publican.
Once a person gets to the point that they no longer remain
in fellowship with other believers because these refuse to repent, they are in
God’s hands.
Hebrews 10:30 For we know him who said, “It is mine to
avenge; I will repay,” and again, “The Lord will judge his people.”31 It is a
dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.
Do we neglect them? No, we need to love them as we love any
other heathen. We live out the Gospel and point them to a Gospel that is only
effective for those who know they are sinners in need of a Savior. The Gospel is an eternal remedy for sin and death. We need to
be ready that when the heathen's heart of stone breaks and they repent of their
sin. We need to be ready when the Lord deals with them and brings them to the
end of the rope. We will be ready to forgive the sinner that repents,
just as Christ forgave us.That is the hope we have in Christ. Our Savior, our Redeemer, and our Mighty King.
In Christ’s love,
Neil
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