Greatness: Matthew 14-20Sample

Jesus seems to think that the truest measure of our discipleship is not how much we know or how gifted we are, but how we treat one another—especially when it’s hard.

When things are going well in our relationships, that’s simple enough. But what about the quiet dig from a family member or colleague? The friend who betrays your confidence, and doesn’t even realise—or worse, doesn’t seem to care? These are the moments that bring our faith to ground level, where forgiveness ceases to be theory and becomes costly obedience.

In Matthew 18 (ESV), Jesus tells a sobering story—the parable of the unforgiving servant. A man is forgiven an astronomical debt, and yet he refuses to forgive someone else who owes him something small. His actions show that he has completely missed the point: forgiven people are called to forgive.

But how? How do we extend grace when it hurts?

Pastor and commentator David Guzik draws out the contrast between divine forgiveness and our human patterns of withholding it.

• God is slow to anger. We are quick to accuse.
• God initiates forgiveness. We wait for apologies.
• God forgives, knowing we’ll likely fail again. We demand guarantees.
• God restores and adopts. We distance and demote.
• God pays the price Himself. We want the other to pay.
• God keeps reaching out. We give up quickly.
• God trusts again. We hold grudges and remember.

Isn’t God’s forgiveness staggering?

Forgiveness isn’t a side-note in the gospel. It’s central. It’s what we receive daily. And it’s what we’re called to give.

Today, ponder this:

Take time to read slowly through today’s Scriptures.

Read over David Guzik’s list again—not as a checklist to condemn you, but as a mirror to show just how wildly generous God has been with you.

Allow the Holy Spirit to gently search your heart and ask, is there anyone you’re holding at arm’s length?

Ask the Spirit to form in you the same grace you’ve received.