What Jesus Did! 'The Necessity of Forgiveness' — Matthew 18:34-35

Monday, September 1, 2025

[Talking about being forgiving, Jesus continued,] "Then the angry king sent the man [who had been forgiven a great debt but hadn't forgiven a much smaller owed to him] to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart."

— Matthew 18:34-35 NLT

Key Thought

God is gracious and merciful until he finds those to whom he has freely dispensed mercy and they withhold it from others. The key principle of mercy and grace is this: It must be shared when it is received or it is never appreciated, and furthermore it will be taken away. God is very angry with an unforgiving, unmerciful, and uncharitable heart. So let's be gracious and tender and kind. Let's do it without regard to social or financial status or racial heritage or ethnic origin or political preference. Let's do it simply because God's first done it to us!

Today's Prayer

Holy God, please help me to be more merciful with those who stumble. Please help me to be graciously, yet firmly, persuasive with those who refuse to forgive, helping them see the need to be gracious. Please give me a sense of balance so that I may know, celebrate, and proclaim your mercy in its radical glory. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Matthew 6:12-15
  • Ephesians 4:32
  • Matthew 25:41-46

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6 Related Resources by Heartlight

Cancelled Debt
Article by Patrick D. Odum
It's not just forgiven, it's cancelled! Patrick Odum talks about an amazing overcharge on cigarettes and reminds us of another huge debt that has gone up in smoke.
Father Forgive Them!
Article by Phil Ware
How can we do this? How can we not? Phil Ware gives his applications on the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross for today's world and Jesus' followers.
High Cost Forgiveness?
Article by Ron Rose
Is it really worth the cost? Ron Rose reminds us of the need to forgive, not just because we are commanded but because we are imprisoned in bitterness when we don't.
Holding on to Bitterness?
Article by Max Lucado
Without forgiveness, bitterness is all that’s left! Max Lucado reminds us of the importance of forgiveness or bitterness poisons our hearts and destroys our influence.
See All 6 Related Resources about Matthew 18:34-35

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:34-35 NLT — "Then the angry king sent the man [who had been forgiven a great debt but hadn't forgiven a much smaller owed to him] to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. "

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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