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The Words of Jesus of Nazareth
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When little is forgiven,
little love is returned
A certain man was studying the accounts of two acquaintances who had borrowed money. One owed him five hundred pieces of gold, while the other owed him fifty. Knowing that neither had any way of paying him back, he compassionately forgave both of their debts. Which of these two men do you suppose would have been the most grateful?
Likewise, the time came for a certain king to review his records and accounts. During this process, one of his servants was brought before him, who owed the incredible amount of ten thousand gold pieces!
Since it was impossible for the servant to ever repay such a debt, the king consulted the law: it decreed that the debtor and his family be sold into slavery, and that their house and possessions be disposed of in a public auction.
Sorrowfully, the servant fell on his knees before the king, and cried: "My Lord and King, I beg you to have patience with me, and I will repay you all."
The king was so moved with compassion, he forgave the debt, and let the servant go free.
On his way home, this same servant encountered a friend who owed him a few coins. Instead of showing mercy, however, he seized his friend by the throat, and began shouting: "Give me back the money that you borrowed from me."
His friend fell down at his feet, and pleaded: "Please be patient with me, and I will repay you every last cent."
But the servant wouldn't listen, and had the man thrown into prison until he could repay the debt according to the law.
By chance, some of the king's servants saw what happened, and reported this back at the palace.
The king sent for the servant, and said: "You wicked servant. I forgave you your unpayable debt because you asked me to. Couldn't you have shown compassion to the friend who owed you such an insignificant sum?"
Having said this, the king turned the servant over to his prison guards, and commanded them to lock him up until all his debts be paid.
So will my heavenly Father judge you, if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from the depths of your hearts.
Don't be willing to forgive just seven times, but seventy times seven times. Make peace, even with you enemies. Constant striving will only lead to greater trouble: lawsuits, courtrooms, and perhaps prison, with no way of undoing the penalty except by serving your sentence.
Do you remember the saying: An eye for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth? I tell you the opposite. If somebody slaps you on the right cheek, offer him your left; or if someone sues you and takes your coat, then offer him the shirt off your back as well. If someone makes you walk a mile, be willing to walk two. Give freely to those who ask of you, and never turn a deaf ear to one who comes to you in need.
When you stand in the place of worship praying, do so with a heart full of forgiveness, even as your Father in heaven offers forgiveness to you. And should you bring an offering to the place of worship, only to remember an unresolved disagreement between you and another, leave your gift at the altar. Go first and be reconciled with that person, and then return and offer your gift. If a brother wrongs you, go and discuss it with him in private. If he listens to you, you will have gained a friend.
Find forgiveness for the wrongs that people have inflicted on you, and your life will be overwhelmed with mercy and grace.
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These are the very words of Jesus of Nazereth. Taken originally from the Bible , and arranged here by subject as they appear in Lee Cantelon's book "The Words" (c) 1997. [www.thewords.com]
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