What is the story in the Bible about forgiving debt?

Asked by: Ivy Cole  |  Last update: June 3, 2025
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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 parable of forgiveness of debt?

Jesus tells a parable about the servant of a king. The king forgives the man's enormous, unpayable debt. In turn, the servant refuses to forgive the much smaller debt owed him by another and has that man thrown in prison. The king is furious and asks the servant why he did not show the same mercy he had been given.

What did Jesus say about forgiving debt?

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. Romans 4:4 - Wages, like a debt owed, must be paid. Colossians 2:14 Jesus canceled the record of debt we owed by nailing it to the cross.

What is the greatest story of forgiveness in the Bible?

The greatest example of forgiveness in the Bible is Jesus, who was unjustly condemned to death on a cross. Instead of calling on all the heavenly power available to Him to rescue Him (Matthew 26:53), He willingly died for our sins.

Are debts forgiven after 7 years in the Bible?

Bible Gateway Deuteronomy 15 :: NIV. At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts.

The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

19 related questions found

Is debt forgiven after 7 years?

It's a question many people ask, especially when they have accounts in collections or are trying to rebuild their credit. The answer depends on the type of debt. In most cases, these negative marks will drop off your report after seven years, but certain debts can stick around for up to 10 years — or even longer.

Where in the Bible does it say to remove debt?

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 book in the Bible is good for forgiveness?

Top Bible Verses about Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Mark 11:25 - And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”

What does Ephesians 4/32 say?

One example comes from Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has forgiven you.” In this sentence, Paul has summarized the biblical message: that we are to be kind, compassionate and forgiving.

What are the 7 steps to forgiveness?

Still, consider these steps to true forgiveness a rubric for embarking on a passage to meaningful forgiveness that will help you find resolution.
  • Step 1: Acknowledge. Acknowledge the hurt. ...
  • Step 2: Consider. ...
  • Step 3: Accept. ...
  • Step 4: Determine. ...
  • Step 5: Repair. ...
  • Step 6: Learn. ...
  • Step 7: Forgive.

Is being in debt a sin?

The Bible never says that going into debt is a sin. However, it issues a very stark warning: “The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender”.

What is the moral lesson of the parable of the unforgiving servant?

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.

Where in the Bible does it say to forgive our debtors?

Matthew 6:12-14 Amplified Bible (AMP)

'And forgive us our debts, as we have forgiven our debtors [letting go of both the wrong and the resentment]. 'And do not lead us into temptation, but deliver us from evil. [For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen.]

What to do when someone owes you money biblically?

First is to put the matter into perspective.

Romans 3:23 reads, “For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” With that in mind, consider how Jesus treated sinners— with kindness and patience. You want to avoid confrontation. A good way to do that is by praying for the one who owes you money.

Where in the Bible does it talk about the king forgiving the debt?

“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.

What is colossians 3:13?

“13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. 14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.”

What is John 4/11 saying?

ESV Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. NIV Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. NASB Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.

What does Colossians 3:14 say?

14 Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. 14 And regardless of what else you put on, wear love. It's your basic, all-purpose garment. Never be without it.

What is Romans 8:18?

Romans 8:18 in Other Translations

18 For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us. 18 Yet what we suffer now is nothing compared to the glory he will reveal to us later.

What are the three sins God will not forgive?

With this declaration, Alma identified for Corianton the three most abominable sins in the sight of God: (1) denying the Holy Ghost, (2) shedding innocent blood, and (3) committing sexual sin. Adultery was third to murder and the sin against the Holy Ghost as abominable sins.

What is the parable of forgiving 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 does the Bible say about tattoos?

Leviticus 19:28 - You shall not make any cuts on your body for the dead or tattoo yourselves: I am the Lord. 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 - Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit within you, whom you have from God? You are not your own, for you were bought with a price. So glorify God in your body.

How can God get me out of debt?

Seven Steps for Getting Out of Debt
  1. The first thing of most importance is to have the right view of God. ...
  2. Find this right view through scripture and because of that, through Jesus Christ. ...
  3. Pray. ...
  4. Be honest with yourself about your debts. ...
  5. Make a budget and stick to it. ...
  6. Be grateful if you have a job and do it well.

What is the powerful prayer when someone owes you money?

You might say to God: “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.

What psalm to read when you are in debt?

Psalm 37:21 (NIV):”The wicked borrow and do not repay, but the righteous give generously.” – Repaying debts is seen as a matter of integrity and righteousness. Being responsible with what we borrow reflects our character and commitment to doing what is right.