Then came Peter to Jesus, and said, Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? until seven times? Jesus said unto him, I say not unto you, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven. Therefore is the Kingdom of Heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants. And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, who owed him ten thousand talents. But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

The servant, therefore, fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt. But the same servant went out and found one of his fellow-servants, who owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that which you owe me. And his fellow servant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything. But he would not: and went and cast him into prison, until he should pay the debt.

So when his fellow-servants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O you wicked servant, I forgave you all that debt because you had desired me: Should not you also have had compassion on your fellow-servant, even as I had pity on you? And his lord was wroth and delivered him to the tormentors until he should pay all that was due unto him. So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, if you from your hearts do not forgive every one his brother their trespasses. Matthew 18 : 21-35.

This is really important, you have to know this:

  • Jesus made it unmistakably clear—forgiveness is not optional in the Kingdom of Heaven.

  • The servant who was forgiven an unpayable debt but refused to forgive a small one was condemned, not for his debt, but for his lack of mercy. In the same way, those who withhold forgiveness from others after receiving God’s mercy will face His judgment.

  • So likewise shall My heavenly Father do also unto you, said Jesus, if you from your hearts do not forgive every one his brother their trespasses. These are not words to soften or explain away—they are a final warning.

If you cling to bitterness, you reject the mercy of God. But if you forgive from the heart, you walk in the truth of the Kingdom. Forgive—fully, freely, and from the heart—because you have been forgiven more than you can imagine.