Relief that the money had finally been paid

A promise from another person to cover the loss

It names the master's inner compassion first, then the release and debt-cancellation that follow.

It begins with the servant's debt and only later mentions the master's response.

It highlights the servant's request before showing the master's decision.

It leaves out the master's mercy and speaks only of release.

Let go of a real claim against someone when you have the power to press it

Be kind for now, but keep the record so you can collect later

Wait until the other person proves they deserve mercy

Spread the story so others will pressure the person to pay

If you would like to receive Jesus, pray this with me: Lord Jesus, I admit that I have sinned and that I cannot clear my own guilt. I turn from my sin and ask you to forgive me. I believe you died for my sins and rose again. Please release me from the burden of my debt, be my Lord and Savior, and make me new. Amen.

Release My Debt

Lord, renew your Church with the compassion you showed here. Where we have grown hard, soften us; where we keep score, free us to forgive; where we cling to what others owe, teach us to release mercy. Wake us up to your heart for a wounded world, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

Make Your People Merciful

Father, when I feel crushed by what I owe or what I have done, remind me that your mercy can release what I cannot pay. Let your forgiveness quiet my shame and give me rest, in the name of Jesus. Amen.

When I Feel Burdened

Begin by naming the person or debt you keep holding. Ask God to move you with compassion, to loosen your grip on the record, and to show you one wise next step toward peace.

Pray for a Merciful Heart

Pray for: a relationship weighed down by unpaid hurt; the courage to forgive where it is possible; wisdom to seek peace without denying truth.

For a Relationship Stuck in Scorekeeping

Bring thanks for: forgiveness you did not earn; relief from guilt; and the way God's mercy can soften a hard heart.

Thank You for Mercy That Frees

σπλαγχνισθεὶς{splang-khni-STHEES###splahng-khnee-STHEES###having been moved with compassion} δὲ{DE###DEH###(but)} ὁ{ho###hoh###the} κύριος{KEE-ree-os###KEE-ree-ohs###master} τοῦ{TOO###TOO###of (the)} δούλου{DOO-loo###DOO-loo###servant} ἐκείνου{e-KEE-noo###eh-KEE-noo###that} ἀπέλυσεν{a-PE-lee-sen###ah-PEH-lee-sehn###(He) released} αὐτόν,{af-TON###ahf-TOHN###him} καὶ{KE###KEH###(and)} τὸ{TO###TOH###the} δάνειον{DA-nee-on###DAH-nee-ohn###debt} ἀφῆκεν{a-FEE-ken###ah-FEE-kehn###he forgave} αὐτῷ.{af-TO###ahf-TOH###him}

Matthew 18:27 — Audio GuideTAB

More on this verse