Forgiveness and Mercy: Living the Gospel of Grace

Devotional

Day 1: Forgiveness Without Limits

Jesus teaches that forgiveness should not be limited or counted, but offered abundantly and without keeping score. In response to Peter’s question about how many times to forgive, Jesus shatters the expectations of the day by saying not just seven times, but seventy-seven times—or even seventy times seven—emphasizing that forgiveness is not about calculation but about a heart posture of mercy. This radical call to forgive reflects the boundless grace God extends to us, and challenges us to let go of resentment and keep our hearts open to reconciliation, no matter how many times we are wronged. [55:25]

Matthew 18:21-22 (ESV)
Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.”

Reflection: Is there someone you have been keeping a mental tally against? What would it look like to stop counting and start forgiving them today, trusting God with your pain?

Day 2: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Through the story of the unforgiving servant, Jesus illustrates the vastness of God’s mercy toward us and the expectation that we extend that same mercy to others. The servant, forgiven an unpayable debt by his master, refuses to forgive a much smaller debt owed to him, revealing the tragedy of receiving grace but withholding it from others. This parable calls us to recognize the enormity of God’s forgiveness in our own lives and to let that awareness transform how we treat those who have wronged us, moving us from bitterness to compassion. [01:04:41]

Matthew 18:23-35 (ESV)
“Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Reflection: When you consider the ways God has forgiven you, how might that change your attitude toward someone who owes you an apology or a debt?

Day 3: Mercy Received, Mercy Given

Receiving God’s mercy is inseparable from extending mercy to others; Jesus ties our experience of forgiveness to our willingness to forgive. Throughout his ministry, Jesus repeatedly connects the mercy we receive from God with the mercy we show to others, teaching us to pray, “Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us,” and urging us to bless even our enemies. This principle is not just a command but a pathway to freedom, as letting go of grudges and offering forgiveness opens our hearts to deeper healing and peace. [01:07:25]

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (ESV)
“…and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors… For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Reflection: Is there a grudge or hurt you are holding onto that is blocking you from experiencing God’s peace? What step could you take today to begin releasing it?

Day 4: The Challenge and Freedom of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is not easy, especially when the wounds are deep, but it is the path to freedom and healing for ourselves as well as others. Acknowledging the real pain and injustice we may have suffered, Jesus never minimizes our hurt, but he calls us to let go of resentment—not to excuse wrongdoing or allow continued harm, but to free ourselves from the prison of bitterness. By choosing to forgive, we declare our identity as loved and forgiven children of God, and we open ourselves to the transforming work of the Holy Spirit. [01:10:10]

Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.

Reflection: What is one practical way you can protect your heart from bitterness and move toward forgiveness, even if the other person never apologizes?

Day 5: Living as a Forgiven and Forgiving Community

As recipients of God’s extravagant grace, we are called to be a community marked by gratitude, forgiveness, and mutual support, reflecting God’s love to the world. The church is a family where we celebrate together, mourn together, and extend grace to one another, recognizing that we are all in need of mercy. By living out forgiveness in our relationships—at home, in church, and in our wider community—we bear witness to the transforming power of Christ and invite others into the freedom and joy of God’s kingdom. [29:19]

Ephesians 4:31-32 (ESV)
Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.

Reflection: How can you contribute to making your church, family, or community a place where forgiveness and kindness are practiced and celebrated this week?

Sermon Summary

Today, we gathered as a family of faith to celebrate the many blessings God has poured out on our church, our children, our youth, and our wider community. We gave thanks for the generations that have come before us, for the teachers and leaders who nurture our young people, and for the new members who are joining our fellowship. We remembered those who have gone before us, like Doreen Walker and Eleanor Sharp, and found ways to honour their legacy through acts of remembrance and generosity. Our celebrations extended to birthdays, anniversaries, and the good works being done in our community, reminding us that every joy and milestone is a gift from God.

At the heart of our reflection today was the call to forgiveness—a call that is both challenging and liberating. We acknowledged the reality that all of us have been hurt by others, sometimes deeply, and that the pain we carry can be heavy and long-lasting. Yet, Jesus calls us to a radical kind of forgiveness, one that goes far beyond what is reasonable or expected. When Peter asked how many times he should forgive, Jesus responded not with a number to keep track of, but with an invitation to a lifestyle of mercy that mirrors the boundless grace God has shown us.

Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, we saw the vastness of the debt we owe to God—a debt we could never repay, yet one that God, in his mercy, has wiped clean. The story challenges us to consider how we respond to those who owe us far less, and whether we are willing to extend the same grace that we have received. Forgiveness is not about ignoring the pain or allowing ourselves to be hurt again, but about releasing the hold that resentment and bitterness have on our hearts. In doing so, we find freedom and healing, and we bear witness to the transforming power of God’s love.

We are reminded that forgiveness is not easy, nor is it something we accomplish in our own strength. It is only by the power of the Holy Spirit and in gratitude for God’s mercy that we can let go of our hurts and forgive those who have wronged us. As we do, we step more fully into our identity as beloved, forgiven children of God, and we become channels of his grace to the world.

Key Takeaways

1. Forgiveness Reflects God’s Boundless Mercy True forgiveness is not about keeping count, but about embodying the limitless mercy God has shown us. When we forgive, we mirror the heart of God, who cancels our unpayable debts and invites us to do likewise. This kind of mercy is costly and countercultural, but it is the very foundation of the kingdom of God. [55:25]
2. Letting Go Sets Us Free Holding onto resentment and pain binds us, often more than it binds those who have hurt us. Forgiveness is not about excusing wrongdoing or exposing ourselves to further harm, but about releasing the power that past hurts have over our lives. In letting go, we experience the freedom and peace that only God can give. [70:10]
3. Forgiveness Is a Response to Grace, Not a Condition for It We forgive not to earn God’s favour, but because we have already received it in abundance. Our ability to forgive flows from the deep well of God’s grace toward us—a grace that covers our own failings and empowers us to extend mercy to others. This is a daily act of gratitude and trust in God’s transforming love. [69:32]
4. Forgiveness Requires the Power of the Holy Spirit The call to forgive, especially in the face of deep wounds, is beyond our natural capacity. It is only through the work of the Holy Spirit in us that we can truly release our hurts and extend genuine forgiveness. As we surrender to God’s Spirit, we are enabled to do what we could never do on our own, and our lives become a testimony to his power. [71:00]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[28:35] - Celebrating Our Children and Youth
[29:19] - Prayers for Our Church Family
[32:25] - Angel Tree and Community Giving
[33:18] - Remembering Doreen Walker
[33:40] - Welcoming New Members
[34:29] - Honouring Eleanor Sharp’s Legacy
[34:58] - Leadership Retreat Reflections
[35:39] - Birthdays and Anniversaries
[37:36] - Community Celebrations
[44:12] - Gratitude for Scripture and Inheritance
[52:27] - The Challenge of Forgiveness
[55:25] - Jesus’ Radical Call to Forgive
[57:43] - The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
[70:10] - Freedom Through Forgiveness
[84:07] - Blessing and Closing

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Matthew 18:21-35 (ESV) – The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant —
> 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.
>
> 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.”

Matthew 6:12, 14-15 (ESV) – The Lord’s Prayer and Jesus’ Teaching on Forgiveness —
> 12 and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
> 14 For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, 15 but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Observation Questions

According to Jesus, how many times are we called to forgive someone who sins against us? What does this number mean in the context of the story? ([54:43])
In the parable, what is the difference between the debt owed by the first servant to the king and the debt owed by the second servant to the first? Why is this contrast important? ([55:59])
How does the master respond to the servant’s plea for mercy, and how does the forgiven servant respond to his fellow servant’s plea? ([58:42])
What does Jesus say will happen to those who do not forgive others from the heart? ([01:05:47])

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus uses such an exaggerated amount (ten thousand talents/a billion dollars) for the servant’s debt in the parable? What is he trying to communicate about our own debt to God? ([57:06])
The servant is called “wicked” for not forgiving a much smaller debt after being forgiven so much. What does this reveal about the connection between receiving grace and extending grace to others? ([01:03:44])
Jesus says, “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” How should we understand this warning in light of God’s character and the rest of Jesus’ teaching? ([01:05:47])
The sermon mentions that forgiveness is not about ignoring pain or allowing further harm, but about releasing resentment. How does this understanding of forgiveness differ from simply “letting things slide” or pretending nothing happened? ([01:10:10])

Application Questions

The sermon says that holding onto resentment and pain binds us, often more than it binds those who have hurt us. Is there a specific hurt or resentment you are carrying that is weighing you down? What would it look like to begin letting go of it? ([01:10:10])
Jesus calls us to forgive not just a set number of times, but as a way of life. Are there people in your life you find it especially hard to forgive? What makes it difficult, and what might help you take a step toward forgiveness? ([54:43])
The parable shows that we have been forgiven a debt we could never repay. How does remembering God’s mercy toward you change the way you see those who have wronged you? ([01:09:32])
The sermon says forgiveness is not something we accomplish in our own strength, but only by the power of the Holy Spirit. Have you ever experienced God helping you to forgive when you couldn’t do it on your own? What did that look like? ([01:11:00])
The sermon reminds us that forgiveness does not mean excusing wrongdoing or exposing ourselves to further harm. How can you set healthy boundaries with someone who has hurt you, while still choosing to forgive? ([01:10:10])
The church celebrated the legacy of members who have gone before us by acts of remembrance and generosity. Is there someone in your life whose example of forgiveness or grace inspires you? How can you honour their legacy in your own relationships? ([33:18])
Forgiveness is described as a daily act of gratitude and trust in God’s transforming love. What is one practical way you can practice forgiveness this week, either in a relationship or in your own heart? ([01:09:32])

Sermon Clips

His fellow servant fell on his knees and begged him, be patient with me and I will pay it back. Almost the exact same response that this man had before his lord and master, before his king, falling on his knees, begging for more time, promising to pay back this debt of $1 billion. This fellow servant has almost the exact same response. Give me time and I will pay you back. [01:00:15] (33 seconds) #LetGoBeFree

Well, some of his fellow servants see what this man has done. How he received so much forgiveness and grace, and yet through this fellow servant of his into prison for this $20,000, that they go and they tell the master what he's done. And so the master calls the servant in. You wicked servant. You wicked servant. Hmm. I canceled all that debt of yours. Why? Because you begged me to. You fell on your knees and you begged me. And you promised me that you would pay me back that $1 billion. Shouldn't you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you in anger? [01:03:20] (49 seconds)

Now, I'm not very keen on what Jesus says next. It troubles me. The last thing Jesus says after he's finished telling the story, Jesus says to Peter and to anyone else who's there with Peter, this is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart. This, like this king, like this master who threw his wicked servant into prison to be tortured until he paid off his debt. That this is how my heavenly father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or your sister from your heart. [01:04:53] (54 seconds)

That gives us an image of our heavenly father, which is a little different from, you know, the loving, forgiving, grace-filled father who we know through Jesus as well. So it troubles me a little. But then, as I reflected on this these last few days, I thought of some other things that Jesus said. He said, blessed are the merciful, for they shall obtain mercy. [01:05:47] (30 seconds)

Throughout his public ministry, Jesus tied receiving mercy to also being willing to extend mercy and grace and forgiveness to others. He said, pray for your enemies and bless those who persecute you. As he hung dying on the cross, he prayed, Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are doing. They know not what they do. Forgiveness, mercy, was at the very core of our Lord Jesus Christ. And it's at the core of the kingdom of God, extending the same grace, forgiveness, and mercy to those around us that we have received. [01:06:53] (53 seconds)

I'm not denying that people have hurt us. People have, as I said at the beginning, said things, done things which have devastated us, shattered our futures, devastated our egos, changed our futures and limited us in many ways, hurt or even killed family members. And so it's no wonder that we harbor resentments, that we feel betrayed and so hurt. And that pain can stop us from offering mercy and grace and forgiveness to those people. Jesus never says this is easy. Jesus never says that this isn't. [01:08:32] (65 seconds)

We no longer owe a debt to God. He has paid the price. He has forgiven us for our great mountain of sin and wickedness. In his great love, he has wiped the slate clean. The only debt we owe to him is a debt of gratitude. And we should be willing to extend that same gratitude, forgiveness, and grace to those who hurt us. [01:09:37] (46 seconds)

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