In Christ, God offers us forgiveness of a debt we could never pay – the debt of sin. But when we refuse to forgive the little offenses others cause us, we handcuff God’s mercy and put ourselves under strict justice. Previously, Christ pointed out that “For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you.” (Matthew 7:2) This is the way God has found to unfurl his mercy without compromising his justice; he leaves each person free to choose between the two.
But this lesson is hard for us to learn. We tend to resent not only willful offenses, but also innocent mistakes. Whenever someone else causes us even a tiny inconvenience, we can easily lash out at the offender. This is especially the case close to home – we often have less patience with our siblings and parents (or roommates) than we do with strangers and acquaintances.
In this parable, as in the Our Father, Jesus gives us the secret to forming a patient, forgiving heart. It consists in recognizing the immense evil of our own sin, and thereby perceiving the vastness of God’s goodness in forgiving it. Until we see how ugly are the ingratitude and selfishness that characterize our relationship with God, we will never grasp how generous is his forgiveness. When we do, however, our shriveled hearts expand, and our joyful patience knows no bounds.
