What I'm learning about forgiveness

Have you ever read the parable of the unmerciful servant found in Matthew 18:21-35? It’s the story Jesus tells when Peter asks him how many times he should forgive the brother or sister who sins against him. The story is about a servant who is summoned to his master to settle an insurmountable debt. After begging for his master’s mercy for more time to pay what couldn’t be paid in a lifetime, the servant encounters an incredible thing: the master forgives – cancels – his debt. “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt.

You’ll remember that after that, the master found out and threw that wicked servant into prison until he could repay his entire debt. And Jesus said to Peter,

“This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

It seems like every time I pick up the Bible lately, I read something about God’s grace. It’s like the Gospel has washed over me in a new way, and I am overwhelmed once again by this reminder of the grace and mercy that we have received. If God has shown such abundant mercy toward me, then why do I drag my feet in showing grace to my husband? Marriage is not the only place this applies, but I have felt so convicted lately of my hesitation to forgive, when I have been forgiven tremendously more by Jesus Christ! I didn’t deserve it, but he gave himself for me! How can I think that I am owed anything by anyone? I pray that God changes my heart of stone into a more fleshy heart. One that is grateful and humble, and ready to forgive and extend grace.