The Unforgiving Servant

(Romans 12:14–21)

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] vvv 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.‘Master,[fn] 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![fn]’

29 

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

30 

But vvv 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, vvv 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 was owed him.[fn]

35 

That is how My heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive [your] brother his trespasses[fn] from your heart.” 19