"The Economy of Forgiveness"

Matthew 18:21-35 - 21 Then Peter came up and said to him, “Lord, how often will my brother sin againstme, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 22 Jesus said to him, “I do not sayto you seven times, but seventy-seven times. 23 “Therefore the kingdom of heavenmay be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousandtalents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with hiswife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servantfell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay youeverything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him andforgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of hisfellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began tochoke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down andpleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused andwent and put him in prison until he should pay the debt.31 When his fellow servantssaw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reportedto their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and saidto him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded withme. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercyon you?’ 34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should payall his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do notforgive your brother from your heart.”