Seventh Day Baptist
Christian Education Council
PO BOX 1678
Janesville, WI 53547
—Matthew 18:21-35
by: John H. Camenga.
Forgiveness is a divine quality. The Gospel is a message of forgiveness and new life. According to the directions of Jesus, we pray, “…and forgive us our debts as we forgive…” Since forgetfulness is part of forgiveness, Jesus was poking gentle fun at He suggested “490” as the appropriate number. We understand he meant uncounted forgiveness. Why did Jesus use a parable about economic ruthlessness to illustrate the unforgiving attitude? Becoming a forgiver can be expensive, but it is an essential part of receiving forgiveness. Do we really know what we are asking when we say, “forgive as we forgive?”