What Jesus Did! 'Shouldn't You Have Mercy?' — Matthew 18:31-33

Sunday, August 31, 2025

[Talking about being forgiving, Jesus continued,] "When some of the other servants saw [that the servant who had been forgiven a tremendous debt didn't forgive another servant who owed him much less], they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, 'You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?' Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt.

"That's what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart."

— Matthew 18:31-33 NLT

Key Thought

Mercy! More than an exclamation, it is the reason for exclamation! Mercy, sweet mercy. It is the gift of freedom from our past, our failures, our wickedness. But it is a gift because in receiving it, we acknowledge that we have received something we didn't deserve and that we received it without the person giving it to us expecting us to grovel. Mercy! But more than just the reason for exclamation and joy, mercy is our gift to share. Mercy has not completed its redemptive work until it is passed on, until we see the joy of another being granted his or her freedom. Mercy is essential in God's Kingdom. Mercy is music in God's family. Mercy is the basis of our hope. Mercy is the gift of God we are to share with others.

Today's Prayer

Merciful Father and Almighty King, thank you for delivering me in your grace, saving me by your sacrifice, and including me in your family by your mercy. May my life be a conduit of your mercy to others. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

Have thoughts on this devotional? Leave a comment

4 Related Resources by Heartlight

Holding on to Bitterness?
Article by Max Lucado
Without forgiveness, bitterness is all that’s left! Max Lucado reminds us of the importance of forgiveness or bitterness poisons our hearts and destroys our influence.
High Cost Forgiveness?
Article by Ron Rose
Is it really worth the cost? Ron Rose reminds us of the need to forgive, not just because we are commanded but because we are imprisoned in bitterness when we don't.
Father Forgive Them!
Article by Phil Ware
How can we do this? How can we not? Phil Ware gives his applications on the seven sayings of Jesus from the cross for today's world and Jesus' followers.
Cancelled Debt
Article by Patrick D. Odum
It's not just forgiven, it's cancelled! Patrick Odum talks about an amazing overcharge on cigarettes and reminds us of another huge debt that has gone up in smoke.

Illustration

Illustration of Matthew 18:31-33 NLT — Shouldn't you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?

Other Devotionals from Heartlight for Sunday, August 31, 2025

God's Holy Fire
A daily devotional about the work of the Holy Spirit in our lives.
'Sorrow to the Spirit?' (Ep. 4:30)
"And do not bring sorrow to God's Holy Spirit by the way you live. Remember, he has identified you as his own, guaranteeing that you will be saved on the day of...."
Quotemeal
A daily dose of Christian quotes to inspire and encourage.
Quote by Philip Yancey:
"The people of God are not merely to mark time, waiting for God to step in and set right all that is wrong. Rather, they are to model the new heaven and new..."
Today's Verse
A daily devotional featuring a Bible verse, thought and prayer.
James 1:2-3
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance."
Spiritual Warfare
A daily devotional about God's power for our battles.
'Life’s Troubles Are Opportunities to Grow'
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy. For you know that when your faith is..."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

More What Jesus Did!