The Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost

Forgive as We Are Forgiven

The parable of the unmerciful servant convicts us: we scoff at a man forgiven so much debt yet unwilling to forgive so little, until we recognize ourselves in him. Jesus warns that withholding forgiveness isn't Christian at all, and that God will judge us as we judge others.

But the parable's true starting point is God's boundless mercy toward sinners; as forgiven people, we forgive as he forgives, not by our own strength, but grounded in Christ's sacrifice. Sins are forgiven, forgotten, forever.