SEEKING LIBRATION (MATTHEW 18:21-35)
Jesus taught about forgiveness and mercy using the parable of the unmerciful servant.
REFLECTION
Seeking liberation is the theme for our reflection. Liberation is the action of setting someone free from imprisonment, slavery, or oppression. It also means to be released from bondage. Jesus uses the parable of the unmerciful servant to illustrate the fact that anyone who seeks liberation must first learn to liberate others. In other words, as we seek forgiveness and mercy from God we must be ever willing to forgive others and show them mercy, for “… the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I cancelled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ In anger, his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he should pay back all he owed. “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” (Matthew 18:32-35)
Bitterness and unforgiveness are themselves some form of imprisonment for which we need to be liberated. Although the unmerciful servant was forgiven by His master he refused to forgive his fellow servant because he was under the bondage of bitterness and unforgiveness. The only way to be liberated from bitterness and unforgiveness is when we possess the unconditional and merciful love of Christ who even on the cross said “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34)
It is again important to note that if we want to be liberated from bitterness and unforgiveness we must first liberate those who have hurt and wronged us, for “… in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets (Matthew 7:12). In sum, if you seek liberation then first liberate others and God’s promise of liberation shall be fulfilled in your life. This Biblical principle is not an option in our relationship with others, it is a necessary principle worthy of application among true believers and disciples of Jesus Christ. We must apply it in our marriages, friendships, business and workplaces, Christian fellowships and even to our avowed enemies. Shalom.
PRAYER
MERCIFUL FATHER, LIBERATE US FROM BITTERNESS, SIN AND UNFORGIVENESS. AS BENEFICIARIES OF YOUR GRACE, FORGIVENESS AND MERCY, ENABLE US TO LIBRATE OTHERS SO THAT THE WORLD MAY KNOW THAT WE ARE YOUR CHILDREN. AMEN
JEAN-PAUL AGIDI (REV)
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