Forgiveness, Round 3

23 “Therefore the kingdom of heaven may be compared to a king who wished to settle accounts with his servants. 24 When he began to settle, one was brought to him who owed him ten thousand talents. 25 And since he could not pay, his master ordered him to be sold, with his wife and children and all that he had, and payment to be made. 26 So the servant fell on his knees, imploring him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you everything.’ 27 And out of pity for him, the master of that servant released him and forgave him the debt. 28 But when that same servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii, and seizing him, he began to choke him, saying, ‘Pay what you owe.’ 29 So his fellow servant fell down and pleaded with him, ‘Have patience with me, and I will pay you.’ 30 He refused and went and put him in prison until he should pay the debt. 31 When his fellow servants saw what had taken place, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master all that had taken place. 32 Then his master summoned him and said to him, ‘You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. 33 And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?’34 And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18)
How important is forgiveness? If It wasn't clear before, with Peter's question and Christ's including it in His foundational statement on the Church, it sure is now. Do we understand how much we have been forgiven by God? For many of us, apparently not, as we are unwilling to forgive others far less.  Think of the most extreme examples we can of those who have harmed us, like those who have had a child senselessly murdered, yet find it in their hearts to forgive the perpetrator. God is like that parent, a billion times over. He forgives all our sin, in every area, every time, and continues to love His children.  Do we forgive like that?   Do we come even close?  Again, who do you need to forgive?