What is the parable of the forgiveness of debt?

Asked by: Mr. Ruben Roberts  |  Last update: August 2, 2025
Score: 4.3/5 (3 votes)

The 'Parable of the Unforgiving Servant' is from the Christian Bible: Matthew 18:21-35. It details the story of a servant who was forgiven a massive (unrepayable) debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively small debt.

What is the lesson of the parable of the unforgiving debtor?

Jesus taught that God is willing to let us off a debt we cannot repay, so we should be ready to forgive others. The servant who did not forgive was tortured. Perhaps Jesus is referring to the way a person feels when they cannot forgive. They remain bitter and resentful and end up suffering the most.

What does the Bible say about forgiveness of debt?

Proverbs 22:26 - Do not become guarantors for debts. Matthew 6:12 - Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors. Matthew 18:27, 30, 32, 34 - Forgive because your debts have been forgiven. Luke 7:42-43 - He who is forgiven much (debt) loves much; he who is forgiven little (debt) loves little.

What did Jesus mean by forgive us our debts?

The word debt suggests we owe God something we cannot pay. “Forgive us our debts” suggests that we have done things that we should not have done, and left undone things we should have done. “Forgive us our trespasses” comes from the Book of Common Prayer, which is why many people use the word trespasses.

What does the parable of the two debtors teach us?

The parable, therefore, plainly teaches us, that the more we love, the more we shall be forgiven."

Parable of the Forgiven Debts

19 related questions found

What is the parable of forgiveness of debt?

The 'Parable of the Unforgiving Servant' is from the Christian Bible: Matthew 18:21-35. It details the story of a servant who was forgiven a massive (unrepayable) debt, only to refuse forgiveness to another servant who owed a relatively small debt.

What is the overall message of the parable?

Many commentators agree that Jesus's parables served two purposes: to reveal truth to believers and to conceal truth from non-believers. Jesus explains his dual purpose to his disciples this way: “The knowledge of the secrets of the kingdom of heaven has been given to you, but not to them.

What is the Lord's prayer for debts?

“Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name. Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.

What does unforgiveness do to a person?

Unforgiveness will produce bitterness.

And bitterness can be directly traced to the failure to forgive. It makes you caustic, sarcastic, condemning and nasty. Harassed by the memories of what you can't forgive, your thoughts become malignant toward others, and your whole view of life becomes distorted.

How does the Bible say to get out of debt?

If you borrow money from anyone, you should pay him or her back as soon as possible. That is the right thing to do. The Bible says, “The wicked borrows but does not pay back, but the righteous is generous and gives” (Psalm 37:21 – ESV).

Is debt forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

Similarly, in Deuteronomy 15, God says that every seven years, creditors should “remit the claim that is held against a neighbor” because “the Lord's remission has been proclaimed.” In the New Testament, Jesus instructs his followers to pray “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12, ...

What is the powerful prayer when someone owes you money?

“Heavenly Father, I lift this person up to you and put this situation in your hands. Please give me wisdom. Please bless this person financially so they will never feel the need to borrow in the future. Your ways are not our ways.

What does the Bible say about tattoos?

You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord.” What does the Bible say about tattoos? That's it—that one line in Leviticus 19:28 of the Old Testament. But context is key—and this scripture may not apply to us in the way it looks.

What is a powerful verse about forgiveness?

Matthew 6:14 (NIV)

"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." It's important to remember that forgiveness scriptures like Matthew 6:14 remind us that, since God forgives us, we, too, must offer forgiveness to those who have wronged us.

Why did Peter ask Jesus how many times to forgive?

Peter has asked Jesus a question about forgiving someone who sins against you. Apparently, Judaism required you to forgive the same person three times for the same offense. Peter, perhaps thinking he is being generous, asks Jesus if he should forgive someone who sins against him up to seven times.

What is the reflection of the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant?

This parable, known as the "Parable of the Unforgiving Servant," teaches us about the boundless mercy and forgiveness that God offers us and the importance of extending that same forgiveness to others. As Catholics, we are called to reflect on this passage and apply its teachings in our lives.

How does unforgiveness block blessings?

Spiritually, unforgiveness can create a barrier between the individual and God. It can hinder one's spiritual growth and block the flow of God's forgiveness and blessings. As Mark 11:25-26 suggests, if we do not forgive, it can affect our forgiveness from God.

What do you call a person who never forgives?

unforgiving (adjective as in merciless) Strongest matches. cruel heartless relentless ruthless unrelenting. Weak matches. pitiless remorseless revengeful uncompassionate unkind unsympathetic.

How do you know you have forgiven someone according to the Bible?

Have you have stopped looking for them to fail? If you have truly forgiven someone, then just like you would for anyone else, you would want them to succeed or at least do better in life. Forgiveness means you've stopped keeping a record of the person's wrongs. That's how believers respond to others.

How to pray to God to get out of debt?

A Powerful Prayer for Getting Out of Debt

Dear God, I pray for relief from the burden and unbearable weight of debt. I'm so thankful that even though I may have made bad choices that got me into debt, You are much bigger than my mistakes. I ask for deliverance from the stress of debt.

What dua is used to get rid of debt immediately?

1- You can say this Du`a to pay off our debts: “Allahumma ikfini bi halalika `an haramika wa aghnini bi fadlika `amman siwaka.” 2- One of the most beneficial means of attaining provision is praying a great deal for forgiveness.

Which God to worship to get rid of debt?

Perform Masa Shivratri Sevas through Devaseva

The Sevas will save you from debts, loans, financial problems and obstacles. The grace of Lord Shiva will shower prosperity, wealth and success to you.

What is the easiest parable to understand?

The parable of the prodigal son is a classic example that is easy to understand and come away with the main meaning.

What is the deeper meaning of parable?

A parable is an apparently simple story used to illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson, to teach a great truth or to challenge the hearers to change their own behaviour. Some of Jesus' parables are a couple of sentences long while some are extended narratives.

How many parables did Jesus teach about money?

He taught about money in 11 of his 39 parables. Finances are Jesus' most talked about topic.” Ever heard something like this before? Did it surprise you?