Something very hard

Good morning brothers and sisters. We have been looking at the parables that Jesus taught with so long ago but still very much apply today. But the one we are looking at today is very hard for humans to do. I understand why but it is still something we must do-FORGIVE! Let's look at this and we will understand what forgiveness is and what is not. This is a lesson that was very hard to accept but once I did, it truly freed me. Now don't get me wrong, I still struggle with it but am learning to trust in Jesus more and more and forgiveness comes easier. Matthew 18:21-35. Then Peter cam to Him and said, "Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?" 22- Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven." Now if you do the math that is 490 times. That is a lot of forgiving. But that is what Jesus requires of us. I know I put a number to it but that is just to give you a visual of what is the bare minimum of requirements. Now before we get into the rest of the parable, this is one of forgiveness, not forgetfulness. When we forgive, it is truly for us so the hatred doesn't take root in our heart and then cause us to sin. But this is also to show us and the world what agape love looks like. Now also lets be very clear, forgiveness from you does not excuse the bad from others. Forgiveness also does not mean you stay where the bad is. Forgiveness is more about the hatred in your own heart and when you release that to Jesus, He can start putting the broken pieces back together. And sometimes that takes a long time and some very hard lessons. It don't usually happen just over night. God needs you to look at where you were and where He has brought you. That my friend, is your TESTimony. Now the parable. 23- Therefore the kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24- And when he had begun to settle accounts, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25- But as he was not able to pay, his master commanded that he be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and that payment be made. 26- The servant therefore fell down before him, saying, 'Master, have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 27- Then the master of that servant was moved with compassion, released him, and forgave him the debt. 28- But that servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii; and he laid hands on him and took him by the throat, saying, 'Pay me what you owe!' 29- So his fellow servant fell down at his feet and begged him, saying 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you all.' 30- And he would not, but went and threw him into prison till he should pay the debt. 31- So when his fellow servants saw what had been done, they were very grieved, and came and told their master all that had been done. 32- Then his master, after he had called him, said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. 33- Should you not also have had compassion on your fellow servant, just as I had pity on you?' 34- And his master was angry and delivered him to the torturers until he should pay all that was due to him. Ok see how forgiveness works. Someone forgives you, you extend that forgiveness to someone else. And look what happens when you don't. Now let's heed verse 35- SO MY HEAVENLY FATHER ALSO WILL DO TO YOU IF EACH OF YOU, FROM HIS HEART, DOES NOT FORGIVE HIS BROTHER HIS TRESPASSES. Ouch, we are forgiven. This last scripture is pretty clear about forgiveness. Please take note in that last verse, it does not say to utter "You are forgiven." It is in the heart. Now when you are forgiven, you should not keep on the same path and expect that person that forgave you to just take it again and again. They, if in Christ, will forgive you again and again. But Christ will hold you accountable and sometimes when branches are cut off the tree, THEY ARE REMOVED! You could be taken out of that person's life. Repent, refresh, revive! Rise up children of God rise up!