Matthew 18:28-35
“The servant was no sooner out of the room when he came upon one of his fellow servants who owed him ten dollars. He seized him by the throat and demanded, ‘Pay up. Now!’
“The poor wretch threw himself down and begged, ‘Give me a chance and I’ll pay it all back.’ But he wouldn’t do it. He had him arrested and put in jail until the debt was paid. When the other servants saw this going on, they were outraged and brought a detailed report to the king.
“The king summoned the man and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave your entire debt when you begged me for mercy. Shouldn’t you be compelled to be merciful to your fellow servant who asked for mercy?’ The king was furious and put the screws to the man until he paid back his entire debt. And that’s exactly what my Father in heaven is going to do to each one of you who doesn’t forgive unconditionally anyone who asks for mercy.”
Scripture quotations from The Message. © 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 2000, 2001, 2002 by Eugene Peterson. Used by permission of NavPress, Colorado Springs, CO. All rights reserved.
January 3, 2014, author/blogger Ben Irwin wrote a piece for http://HuffingtonPost.com titled “20 Things the Poor Really Do Every Day”*. Irwin cited several sources for creating his list, and the points were compelling…search for affordable housing…try to make $133 worth of food last a whole month…skip a meal…work longer and harder than most of us - just to name a few. Irwin’s point was that the poor may not share the habits of the rich… but it’s not necessarily because they don’t want to…or because they are lazy or ignorant. More importantly, Irwin notes that the poor are “those with whom Jesus identifies most closely”.
As I thought about this article and how we look at people who are “less fortunate” than we are, I considered this scripture passage and Jesus’ admonition to show mercy to those who ask for it. I believe that His message extends much further. How many people in need do you know who are unabashed about asking for help or mercy? I’m sure my church’s staff might argue this point with me, because they spend every Tuesday fielding request from folks who need money or assistance from our “Pastor’s Emergency Fund” - and I am quite sure some are not the least bit embarrassed to ask repeatedly. But at the same time, I know there are people who will do without a lot of things most would consider necessities – or simply avoid certain people and situations - rather than ask for help.
There are also those who are so embarrassed and ashamed of their situation… or their behavior… that they cannot bring themselves to ask for forgiveness and/or a second chance. If you don’t believe me, ask yourself if you have ever felt you had to improve in one area or another before you approached God. It’s the same thing. We all have times when we think that we cannot rectify our situation… rebuild a relationship… or ask for help… until we get things straightened out a little more on our own. And in doing this, we rob ourselves of blessings on so many levels.
I say all this to remind each of us – myself especially – to put ourselves in the shoes of the other guy. Consider how he feels… what struggles plague him…how hard it might be for this person to ask for help – much less seek mercy and forgiveness. I am in no way suggesting that you let people run over you and take full advantage of your kindness. I’m merely suggesting that we truly offer others compassion and understanding… that we try to see things from their vantage point. Rather than demand payment or to be treated in a certain way… perhaps we should shower this person with love and gentleness. You know…treat them just like Jesus treats us! We might just find that they come around sooner...or at the very least, that we are more tenderhearted and merciful in our own thoughts and actions!
God does not want us to be “doormats” for others. But many of us have plenty of situations and relationships that are far removed from this status…yet they could use a hefty dose of grace, mercy and compassion. Are you willing to take a step back and consider the other person’s perspective? Can you operate more from a position of kindheartedness, understanding and compassion… and less from one of judgment and ultimatum? Will you offer others the same level of mercy that you desire from God? Shouldn’t you?
©2014 Debbie Robus
* http://www.huffingtonpost.com/ben-irwin/20-things-poor-people-really-do_b_4533691.html
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