How often should we forgive someone? Jesus says don't quit. (Matthew 18:22 in context) The story is of a man who owed an enormous amount to his 'master'. When the account was due there was no way for him to pay. He would be thrown in prison, the family and property would be sold to pay whatever could be raised. With the debt still unpaid, he would be a slave forever. He cries for patience and promised to pay it all. The wise master knows that there is no way. He was filled with pity and forgives the debt.
With his new freedom, the man (#1) finds a fellow servant (#2) that has borrowed a small amount from him (#1). #1 is choking #2 demanding repayment. He undoubtedly is thinking of his promise to pay back all that he owes the master. Time seems to have stopped for him at the moment that he made that foolish promise to repay all. He did not hear the words of forgiveness. He is stuck in time at the moments before he was forgiven. He is forgiven but doesn't know it. He acts like he is a debtor even though he has no debts. So he continues in his foolishness and demands repayment from #2. As #2 has fallen on the same hard times and can't repay, he is arrested, jailed until he can repay. It is impossible to repay in jail, so he is stuck.
Other servants tell the master about #1 failing to forgive #2. The wise master is angry and recalls servant #1, recalls the forgiveness, and jails #1.
So there in prison are two servants; #1 was forgiven but would not extend forgiveness to #2. They both end up in prison until their debts are paid.
Real forgiveness will keep on going as it frees people up to live a wonderful life in that freedom. Refusing forgiveness will keep on going and imprisoning individuals along with their neighbors, friends and family. God wants us all free. Don't stop the momentum of freedom, forgive.
