The Unforgiving Servant

(Romans 12:14–21)

21 Then Peter came to [Jesus] [and] asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother who sins against me? Up to seven times?”

22 Jesus answered “I tell you, not just seven times, but seventy-seven times

23 Because of this, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlements, a debtor owing ten thousand talents[fn] was brought to him. 25 Since [the man] was unable to pay, the master ordered that he be sold to pay [his] debt, along with [his] wife and children and everything he owned.

26 Then the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Have patience with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’

27 [His] master had compassion [on him], forgave his debt, [and] released him.

28 But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii.[fn] He grabbed him and began to choke [him], saying, ‘Pay back what you owe [me]!’

29 So his fellow servant fell down [and] begged him ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you {back}.’

30 But he refused. Instead, he went [and] had [the man] thrown into prison until he could pay [his] debt.

31 [When] his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went [and] recounted all [of this] to their master.

32 Then the master summoned him [and] said ‘[You] wicked servant! I forgave all [your] debt because you begged me. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant, just as I [had] on you?’ 34 In anger his master turned him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should repay all that he owed

35 That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive [your] brother from your heart.”