When Jesus taught us to forgive the debts that others owe us, what was He thinking? He was probably thinking of all the people He knew whose hearts had become hard by holding on to past hurts. He likely had in mind those who kept insisting on an apology. He was thinking about the freedom that comes from letting “God be the judge” and the privilege that grace gives us to become like the Father–loving those who do not deserve it. If God has forgiven me, what possible reason could I give for not wanting to be like Him in this kindness? Like Father, like Son. When the prodigal came home he put on a robe and a ring. He relearned the rules of the Father’s house. This is something else that God deserves from me (see yesterday). I am to be like Him in mercy.
