11/04/2024
Word of Encouragement:
In Matthew 18:27, we see in the Lord's parable that the king was moved with compassion for the servant who owed him an insurmountable sum. The term 'compassion' means "a feeling of sympathy and sorrow for another who is stricken by misfortune, accompanied by a strong desire to alleviate the suffering." As the parable is a reflection of the Kingdom of Heaven, we see that the King, Jesus Christ of Nazareth, is likened unto the parable's king. His substitutionary sacrifice allieveates the suffering of the misfortune of sin in the lives of those who have faith in Him. His blood covers the debt we owe the Father for our sins.
This is something to ponder! The King of all kings, Lord of all lords, Creater of all that is seen and unseen, God in the Flesh, has compassion on us. When we repent, and ask Him to forgive our insurmountable sin debt, He is moved with compassion. It's why He came to earth in the first place. The Gospel is a story of Agape love. We serve a God whose compassion acts on our behalf to appease His wrath.
As the parable continues, we see that love must likewise be reciprocated among us as well. We have been forgiven of more than we can possibly imagine. It is our honor and pleasure to reflect the forgiveness given to us from the Great King by forgiving others who have debts against us.
Forgiveness relieves the suffering of another, but also the suffering of the one who is holding the debt. The Latin term for compassion means "suffering together." Debt requires two parties, one who is owed a debt and one who owes the debt. While a debt is owed, both parties suffer the consequence of the debt. The debtor either forgives or collects on the debt. Forgiveness also alleviates the suffering of the debtor, thus forgiveness is important for both parties involved.
Today, let's commit to being more like the King of kings, compassionate toward the debt others owe us, and acting to forgive even the most aggrieved debt. When we act as agents of forgiveness, we become more like Christ. That, afterall, is the goal of Sanctification in our lives.