Compassion

I decided to take advantage of all this time I have while waiting for my tonsils to recover by reading the first four Gospels (Matt, Mark, Luke, and John) in the 10 days leading up to Christmas.  I thought it was fitting to read all about the Savior's life and ministry right before we celebrate his birth. 

One of my favorite parables that Christ told is the Parable of the Uncompassionate Servant (Matt 18).  It goes like this:

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, which 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 fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence:  and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.  And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.  And he would not:  but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.  So when his fellowservants 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 thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:  

Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on they fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee? 

And his lord was wroth and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.  So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.  


This story gives me pause for thought every time I read it.  For perspective's sake, 10,000 talents (the amount the servant owed his master) is the equivalent of $300 billion in today's market.  And the master freely forgave him all of it.  100 pence (the amount the fellowservant owed) is the equivalent of about $5,000.  If our Heavenly Father is willing to forgive us ALL things, how can we even think to be so petty as to deny forgiveness to anyone who wrongs us?