August 18: Weekly Reading- Parable of the Unmerciful Servant; The Relieved & Insight Post by Kim Feld

  -   August 18, 2025

Forgiveness is Boundless: In this parable, Jesus teaches Peter that forgiveness should not be limited to a certain number of times, but should be extended generously, just as God forgives us. Jesus emphasizes that we are called to forgive without counting.

Monday Verse

There will be no mercy for those who have not shown mercy to others. But if you have been merciful, God will be merciful when he judges you. James 2:13 (NLT)

Monday Questions

Is there anyone in my life whom I struggle to forgive? How can I learn to forgive as God has forgiven me?

Monday Insight Post
by Kim Feld

I have heard the effects of unforgiveness described as drinking poison yourself while hoping the other person dies. That sounds dramatic, but when you think of the damage harboring unforgiveness can do, it makes a valid point. Unforgiveness does way more damage to me than the person I’m not forgiving, who may not even know that I’m holding something against them.

In this week’s reading, Peter’s question to Jesus about forgiving someone seven times is actually a bigger deal than it may sound like. The consensus among rabbis at that time was that a person could be forgiven for the same sin up to three times. If it happened four times, no forgiveness would be offered (Barker & Kohlenberger, 2004). Jesus’ response of seventy times seven was not meant to be taken literally. His words and parable show that because we have been forgiven much, we as His followers should forgive.

I think there is often a misunderstood principle when it comes to forgiveness. We like to think that we can offer forgiveness once for an offense and that takes care of it. I haven’t found that to always be the case. Sometimes, forgiveness is a choice that I have to make time and again because it’s easy for the offense to be brought to mind.

Forgiveness can be particularly challenging when the offense has profound implications. It’s important to note that forgiveness doesn’t always equate to restoration of trust or even of a relationship. You can forgive a wrong that has been done against you, but still not re-enter a relationship that wasn’t safe.

Sometimes it’s easy to think that forgiving someone makes us a doormat or shows that we can’t stand up for ourselves. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Depending on the offense, it can take a great deal of strength to forgive. By doing so, we don’t just let the other person off the hook; we free ourselves from being their jailer.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on the forgiveness we have received from Jesus and consider who we need to forgive in our own lives. I believe Jesus wants us to recognize what we have been forgiven of by Him and offer that freedom to others. Unforgiveness is a weight to carry that will cause bitterness to grow. He wants better for us. 

Kim Feld
Executive Director of Education and Outreach

Reference: Barker, K. L., & Kohlenberger, J. R. (2004). The Expositor’s Bible Commentary: New Testament. Zondervan Academic.

New Hope Church
Lorton, Virginia
www.newhope.org