Debt is a tricky thing. If you don’t keep paying it down, debt grows. And when someone owes us, frustration can grow.

In Jesus’ “Parable of the Unmerciful Servant” in Matthew 18, He recounts the story of a servant who owed so much money to the king that he could never pay it back. His insurmountable debt represents our sin and how we could never do enough to pay for it.

The story goes on. After the king wipes the servant’s slate clean, the servant is expected to do likewise to those in debt to him. This is the part of the parable we struggle to apply.

Whose ‘account’ in our mind says, “Balance Due!” Who owes us respect? Where did we not receive an honor earned? Perhaps an inheritance stolen or wrongfully dispersed. Who owes us debts of kindness and love? Do we keep a running tally of those who wrong us?

Look again. Imagine Jesus saying, “I paid all those debts . . . every one. Jesus continues, “I have more than enough to cover where others have robbed or shorted you.”

Hurtful memories are replaced with Jesus’ words reminding you that He loves you, has chosen you, and favors you.

Jesus paid every debt—our debt and the debt of others–when He was willingly crucified.

Look at those accounts again with a fat marker and write, “PAID IN FULL” or “CANCELLED” or “FORGIVEN.”

Forgiving others does not mean they did no wrong. It means we hand their debt to us over to Jesus. And He takes care of it. Forgiving others also frees us from the bondage of bitterness.

“Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors” (Matthew 6:12).