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Explanation for:
Matthew
18
:
35
So also shall my heavenly Father do to you, if you forgive not every one his brother from your hearts.
10
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{"arr":[{"author-name":"Jerome of Stridon","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88dcd3432c6dd41375498_Jerome%20of%20Stridon.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In a similar manner, my heavenly Father will respond to you if each of you does not genuinely forgive his brother from the depths of his heart. It is perilous to believe that Divine judgment is influenced by our shifting thoughts. If we hold onto grudges against our brothers over trivial matters, the Lord will not pardon us for significant offenses. It is easy for one to claim, \\"I bear no ill will toward him; God knows his own heart and will judge him; my forgiveness is granted.\\" However, the Lord firmly establishes His commandment, unequivocally stating that each individual must sincerely release his brother from any debt."},{"author-name":"John Chrysostom","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88ea76859f9f8e2ffd3ee_John%20Chrysostom.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":4,"exegesis-text":"In a similar fashion, my Father in heaven, says Christ, will act towards you if you do not forgive every individual from the depths of your heart for your brother’s wrongdoings (v. 35). He refers to Himself as “My Father” rather than “Your Father,” indicating the inappropriate nature of addressing Him as such when confronting a servant filled with malice and hatred.\\n\\nTo emphasize that this parable was shared by the Lord for our spiritual edification, listen to His additional words: \\"So will my heavenly Father do to you, if each one of you does not forgive his brother his trespasses from his heart\\" (Matthew 18:35). There is indeed great benefit to be found in this teaching, provided we are attentive. Can we truly forgive others to the extent that the Lord forgives us? When we choose to forgive, we are forgiving our fellow servants, allowing us to receive forgiveness from the Lord. Note the specificity in the Lord’s message; He did not merely state, “if you do not forgive others,” but rather emphasized: \\"Unless every one of you forgives his brother his trespasses from his heart.\\" Observe His desire for our hearts to be tranquil and our spirits at peace, free from anger and filled with goodwill towards our neighbors. Furthermore, He instructs us: \\"If you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you\\" (Matthew 6:14). Let us not assume that by forgiving our neighbor we are providing them a favor; instead, it is we who gain from this act, deriving great benefit. Conversely, failing to forgive does not harm others, but rather, it subjects us to severe torment in Gehenna. Given this understanding, let us refrain from harboring resentment or vengeance against those who have wronged us, and instead recognize the grace we exhibit in forgiving others, as reconciliation with those who have offended us reconciles us with God and atones for our sins. Therefore, let us rush to reconcile with our opponents, imagining the goodness that such acts of kindness towards them can yield, treating them as if they were our true benefactors.\\n\\nIf we remain vigilant, it will not necessarily be those who are tirelessly kind to us from whom we gain the most, but rather our attitude toward those who oppose us; this attitude renders us deserving of heavenly grace and alleviates the weight of our sins. Reflect, beloved, on the grandeur of this virtue in relation to the divine rewards promised to its practitioners. God exhorts us: \\"Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them that despitefully use you and persecute you.\\" The importance of this command is underscored by His statement: \\"Ye shall be sons of your Father which is in heaven: for he commandeth his sun to rise upon the evil and the good, and sendeth rain upon the just and the unjust\\" (Matt. 5:44-45). Do you perceive who is compared to God when a person not only refrains from avenging themselves against their offenders but also earnestly prays for them? Thus, let us not, through negligence, deprive ourselves of such abundant gifts and rewards that surpass all descriptions, but let us earnestly strive to fulfill this command, diligently teaching ourselves to obey the Lord’s commandments. \\n\\nFor this reason, I present this exhortation and share this parable, highlighting the greatness of the virtue of forgiveness and the wealth of its benefits for us. While there is still time, may each of us who has an enemy strive to reconcile with them through acts of kindness. No one should claim that they have approached their adversary once or twice and received no agreement; if we sincerely wish to reconcile, we should persist until we succeed in winning them over. Are we extending them a favor in doing so? Not at all; the benefits of this good deed accrue to ourselves, inviting God’s favor, granting us forgiveness for our sins, and assuring us confidence before the Lord. In doing so, we are able to approach this sacred and awe-inspiring meal with a clear conscience, confidently proclaiming the words of the Lord’s Prayer. Those who are faithful know well what I mean. \\n\\nTherefore, I leave it to each person’s conscience to reflect on the assurance we can have in uttering those prayers at that solemn moment. Yet, if we neglect this commandment, what condemnation awaits us as we speak contrary to our actions, carelessly uttering words of prayer while intensifying the flames of Gehenna and provoking God’s wrath against ourselves? I am heartened to see your willingness to embrace this message with enthusiasm, as exemplified by your applause, indicating that you are striving to reconcile with your enemies and fulfill the Lord's command. Within this effort lies the healing of our souls, the mending of our wounds, our truest means of pleasing God, and the clearest sign of a soul devoted to God—one that acts in accordance with His law while rising above ungodly thoughts and acknowledging the daily favors bestowed upon us by God.\\n\\nIndeed, no matter how hard we attempt, we cannot sufficiently express even a fragment of the blessings already granted to us, nor those continuously bestowed upon us, nor the bounties awaiting us in the life to come, provided we fulfill His commandments. As each of you departs, strive with urgency toward this sacred task as if it is the greatest treasure, abandoning any procrastination. Regardless of the effort required—whether it involves labor, seeking, traveling a great distance, or overcoming challenges—let us not allow these barriers to hold us back. Let us focus solely on the imperative to act in accordance with the Lord’s command, thus receiving the rewards of our obedience. \\n\\nI recognize the difficulty in approaching someone who harbors hostility and malice towards us and initiating dialogue. However, if you contemplate the high honor of this commandment, the greatness of its reward, and that the benefits of the good deed accrue to you, everything will become more manageable. Therefore, holding on to these thoughts, let us resolve to transcend our negative habits and earnestly obey the commandments of Christ, so we may reap the rewards of His grace and mercy, to whom, along with the Father and the Holy Spirit, belongs glory, power, and honor, forever and ever. Amen."},{"author-name":"Euthymios Zigabenos","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":11,"exegesis-text":"To clarify this statement, He crafted the entire parable, illustrating it through an example for better comprehension. In the introduction, He referred to Himself as both King and Lawgiver, and by the conclusion, He emphasized that the Father holds the authority to administer justice. This was done to avoid any semblance of arrogance while also demonstrating their shared power. It is directed from the depths of your hearts, indicating true intent rather than mere verbal expression."},{"author-name":"Theophylact of Bulgaria","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989296bafed9104677d7_Theophylact%20of%20Bulgaria.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":11,"exegesis-text":"He did not address them as 'Your Father', but rather as 'My Father', for they are not deserving of God as their Father. He wants them to release their burdens sincerely from the heart, not merely with words. Reflect on the serious harm that the memory of bitterness can cause if it deters one from receiving God's gift. While God's gifts are unchanging, they can still be rejected with great disdain."},{"author-name":"Nicephoros (Theotokis)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8958407451968d9c204fb_Nicephoros%20(Theotokis).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":18,"exegesis-text":"This parable encapsulates the entire theme. Therefore, He indicates that similarly, my heavenly Father will treat you, meaning that God will discipline you in the same manner that the king punished the unforgiving servant if you do not release from your hearts the offenses of your fellow brethren. The reason He refers to Him as \\"My Father\\" rather than \\"Your Father,\\" as He often does in other passages, is due to addressing those who are hard-hearted and unrepentant. For such individuals, the heavenly Lord is not a Father but serves as a judge and avenger. It is also important to notice the phrase: from your hearts. This points to those who, in a political context, outwardly profess forgiveness and reconcile verbally with those who have wronged them, yet internally harbor bitterness, waiting for the opportunity to take revenge and inflict pain."},{"author-name":"Tichon of Zadonsk","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8989ff6b5b4c943e70095_Tichon%20of%20Zadonsk.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":18,"exegesis-text":"This parable illustrates that an individual who harbors anger against a neighbor and fails to extend forgiveness for their wrongdoings will not only be denied absolution for their own sins by God but will also have their previously forgiven transgressions brought back to remembrance. The merciful sovereign forgave the debt of a servant, yet due to that servant’s lack of mercy towards his fellow servant, the original debt was reinstated, and he was handed over to the tormentors for the consequences of his debt."},{"author-name":"Theophan the Recluse","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c8983a6e0f4c3aecaae3fc_Theophan%20the%20Recluse.png","category":"Holy Fathers and Teachers","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord concluded the parable of the two debtors by saying: ‘So will my heavenly Father do to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother his trespasses from his heart.’ It seems that such a little is asked of us: to forgive, and in turn, we shall be forgiven; and upon receiving forgiveness, we enter into grace; and through grace, we gain access to all its treasures. In this lies salvation, paradise, and everlasting joy. It is a remarkable benefit for so small an act—that we forgive! Indeed, it may seem small, but nothing is more challenging for our pride than to extend forgiveness. When faced with unintentional offenses caused to us, possibly in secret and unnoticed by others, we may still find it in our hearts to forgive. However, when it comes to matters that are sensitive and public, we often refuse to even seek forgiveness. There are moments when, despite our desire to express displeasure, we remain silent, though our hearts continue to stir with thoughts of malice. If the situation worsens further, we lose all restraint; we are no longer held back by shame, fear, or the prospect of loss. An unchecked ego can consume a person, driving him to behave irrationally. Such misery afflicts many people, particularly those who are more cultivated and sensitive to slights, for they tend to be less forgiving. While relationships may appear harmonious on the surface, deep down, a significant discord often brews. Yet the Lord calls us to forgive with sincerity from our hearts."},{"author-name":"Abbot Panteleimon about the Trinity","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c96d263b8c22d9c467bdab_no-pic-theosis.png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"The Lord concludes His profound teaching with a grave admonition: Just as my heavenly Father will respond with the same severity to you, if you do not genuinely forgive your brother from your heart for the wrongs he has done to you. The vastness of the heavenly Father's mercy and forgiveness is matched only by the intensity of His righteous anger towards those who seek revenge. Here, the Lord does not refer to Him as 'Your Father' but 'mine,' for such a wicked servant, filled with hatred for humanity, is unworthy of that title. \\n\\nSt. Chrysostom instructs us that if we are to remember sins, let it be our own; as we reflect on our transgressions, we will find no inclination to consider the faults of others, and if we do momentarily recall them, they will soon fade from our mind. An ungrateful servant, burdened by the weight of a debt of ten thousand talents, would easily overlook a paltry debt of a hundred denarii. The Lord calls us to acknowledge our own sins so that we might more readily extend forgiveness to others. We must forgive from a sincere heart to avoid wielding our anger as a weapon against ourselves, thus preventing a loss of the grace of God that sustains us.\\n\\nIn the lives of the saints, there is a noteworthy account (Vigil Minnea, 9 February) involving two friends, Sapricius and Nicephorus, who fell into dispute. This occurred during a time when Christians endured persecution for their faith, and Sapricius was sentenced to death for his devotion to Christ. When Nicephorus learned of this, he ran to meet Sapricius on his way to execution, kneeling before him and pleading for reconciliation. However, Sapricius turned away. Nicephorus persisted, approaching him once more and asking for forgiveness, but to no avail; Sapricius refused to listen. Eventually, as Sapricius arrived at the execution site, he was commanded to bow his head to the sword. In that moment, the grace of God deserted him, and he renounced Christ. Conversely, Nicephorus openly declared his faith and received the martyr's crown in place of Sapricius. \\n\\nThus, the Lord, the righteous Judge of all, assures us of His tremendous mercy, contingent upon our willingness to extend even the smallest mercy to our neighbor. The divine Lender pledges to absolve us of a substantial debt but requires that we also forgive our debtors a minor amount. Let us strive diligently to meet this requirement, that we may receive His great mercy in return."},{"author-name":"Michail (Lusin)","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c89550c567e172d15b3055_Michail%20(Lusin).png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"In a similar manner as my Father: this encapsulates the essence of the parable. The Lord imparts the following teachings through this parable: 1) the weight and multitude of our transgressions against God are significant; 2) in His compassion, God grants us forgiveness when we earnestly seek Him; 3) the wrongs that others commit against us pale in comparison to the offenses we have committed before God; 4) thus, we are called to extend forgiveness to our neighbors; 5) failure to forgive them means that God will withhold His forgiveness from us, leading to our eternal suffering. To forgive \\"from our heart\\" means to do so genuinely, not merely verbally (cf. Matt. 5:33)."},{"author-name":"Gladkow B.I.","author-image":"https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6864003fdf3714da6ff0b33a/68c88bf0ceef8c96e09a6521_Gladkow%20B.I..png","category":"Christian Authors","century":19,"exegesis-text":"Whatever you have done to others, you shall face in return as a human being, but only in this earthly life; however, God will respond differently: He will subject you to even greater and everlasting torment in the life to come. He has handed him over to the tormentors until every debt is fully paid, which means eternally, as he will never be able to settle his obligations. Once the gift has been granted and humanity has been revealed, the judgment is revoked not out of mercy but vindictiveness. It is not an exaggeration to label this sin as the most serious of all; while other transgressions may be forgiven, this one not only resists forgiveness but also revives other sins that were previously erased. There is no one whom God detests more than a person who harbors resentment and is slow to anger. This truth is particularly emphasized here, and in prayer, He instructed us to say: and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors (Matthew 6:12). When recalling sins, we should focus solely on our own. If we consider our own transgressions, we will be less inclined to dwell on the failings of others, and should we overlook our own, those very faults will easily come to our minds. If this debtor had remembered the ten thousand talents, he would not have noticed the hundred denarii, but forgetting them led him to strangle his friend, bringing upon himself the burden of many past offenses. My heavenly Father will treat you likewise if you do not forgive your brother his trespasses from your heart. \\n\\nThis parable, aside from its main theme of forgiveness, which is beautifully elucidated by John Chrysostom, also conveys a crucial lesson for our salvation. The punishment that awaits a sinner who has already received forgiveness but commits sin again—facing consequences not only for the new sin but also for all prior transgressions that had been forgiven—underscores that the forgiveness of sins in this life is neither unconditional nor everlasting. Rather, it is granted only on the condition that the forgiven individual refrains from sinning again. Go and sin no more (John 8:11). Then your past sins will not be held against you, either in this life or at the final judgment; yet if you return to sin, you will incur penalties for those sins that you were originally spared and could have been completely forgiven."}]}
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