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These words were part of a parable spoken by our Lord to emphasize what He had just answered Apostle Peter, who had asked him the question whether he should forgive his brother seven times, and Christ had said, “Not seven times, but seventy times seven”. The parable shows clearly that we are only forgiven as we forgive, but these words of the text are certainly becoming more relevant on our minds today in our natural lives as we go into this period in the world of uncertainties. We can feel secure in our job today, and then tomorrow – no job; the farmer can see a good crop in his field today, but at harvest time – no price – and so our every-day news builds up in most an insecurity to not wish to go into debt. But, alas, the system we live under forces most of us to have to borrow and go into debt, and then the worries begin -Will we be able to pay? Will the income and employment continue? Will the holding charges go up? And finally, may we have to also go to the financier and humble ourselves and ask those words that are our text word? This puts a tremendous load of worry and burden on our lives, and sometimes this affects our attitude towards those near and dear to us. All begin to suffer.
Now, in the midst of all this, let us imagine what our feelings would be if someone who did not have to, someone we did not know, someone who was not looking for a return, came along and paid out our debts with no strings attached. How our lives would change when we found out, how we would surely never stop giving thanks to that person, how this relief would turn to love and happiness and forgiveness to others and our whole life would change.
If we are concerned about our spiritual lives then the same principles apply. We, too, go into debt with God each time we sin, and that debt gets larger and larger. If we had to repay it, we then begin to let it take control of our lives, and this load begins to affect our lives and our attitudes to others. The good news is that there is one that will completely repay the sin of all, and has done so. He did not have to, we never knew Him, and there are no strings attached. Of course, this is our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, who is ever prepared to listen to those who will worship Him and ask Him for help. In fact, He orders us to come unto Him all who are heavy laden. Are we spending the same amount of time and effort in thankfulness as we would for someone who repayed our natural debts? Do we allow this same relief to turn to love, peace and happiness, and pass this on to others for the better? To be free from debt before God, what is there that can compare with this?
The Psalmist in 37:21 sums up this parable in one small verse – “The wicked borroweth and payeth not again; but the righteous sheweth mercy and giveth”. Showing mercy and giving is surely the work of our Lord. We must learn to follow Him so that we can look forward to His blessings in Proverbs 13:21, “Evil pursueth sinners; but to the righteous good shall be repayed.” In simple terms our debts are cancelled, but we shall be rewarded for good!
Will we ever fully understand the love of God to all who follow Christ? Let us never forget the conditions that we impose on ourselves when we pray as in Matthew 6: 12, “And forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors.”