Jesus teaches that God will turn us over to be tortured if we do not forgive others.
Wow! If you thought Jesus was never tough on his followers, then tell me what you think after reading these verses. These verses continue with Jesus' reconciliation expectations for his community - except now Jesus concentrates on the one who needs to forgive. The message is simple: Do it!
Matthew 18:21-35 21 Then Peter came and said to him, "Lord, if another member of the church sins against me, how often should I forgive? As many as seven times?" 22 Jesus said to him, "Not seven times, but, I tell you, seventy-seven times. 23 "For this reason the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his slaves. 24 When he began the reckoning, one who owed him ten thousand talents was brought to him; 25 and, as he could not pay, his lord ordered him to be sold, together with his wife and children and all his possessions, and payment to be made. 26 So the slave fell on his knees before him, saying, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.' 27 And out of pity for him, the lord of that slave released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But that same slave, as he went out, came upon one of his fellow slaves who owed him a hundred denarii; and seizing him by the throat, he said, 'Pay what you owe.' 29 Then his fellow slave fell down and pleaded with him, 'Have patience with me, and I will pay you.' 30 But he refused; then he went and threw him into prison until he would pay the debt. 31 When his fellow slaves saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their lord all that had taken place. 32 Then his lord summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Should you not have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?' 34 And in anger his lord handed him over to be tortured until he would pay his entire debt. 35 So my heavenly Father will also do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother or sister from your heart."
God readily forgives us. But God is also greatly angered by those of us who are willing to accept God's forgiveness, but will not forgive others. And something supernatural happens to those who are part of Jesus' community who won't forgive. God does the spiritual equivalent to releasing them to be tortured. Have you ever seen one of these people? Their life is consumed with unforgiveness. They may have had every right to be offended. The offense may be decades old - time doesn't stop the torture. As they age, their unforgivenss is etched on their faces. There is no joy - no peace - their laughter is hollow. But those who recognize how much God loves them and have translated that love into forgiving others... they are different... their faces are filled with beauty. And they are at peace.
Do we ignore Jesus' teaching that we must forgive each other or God will release us to be tortured?
Note: I have to add this note for those who have suffered abuse. You can forgive someone and still remove yourself from their presence. God does not expect us to stay in relationship with those who are abusing us (reread the last two blogs if you need proof), but he does expect us to forgive.
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