What steps can we take to avoid the hypocrisy shown in Matthew 18:31? Setting the Scene “ So when his fellow servants saw what had happened, they were greatly distressed, and they went and reported to their master everything that had happened.” (Matthew 18:31) Spotting the Hypocrisy The forgiven servant harshly throttled a peer over a minor debt. His actions screamed, “Grace for me, justice for you,” revealing a heart unmoved by the mercy he had just received. Steps to Keep Our Hearts Free of That Same Hypocrisy • Remember the size of our own pardon – Matthew 18:32-33; Colossians 3:13; Ephesians 4:32 – Keep Christ’s immeasurable forgiveness in full view before reacting to others. • Deal quickly with offenses – James 1:19-20; Proverbs 19:11 – Slow down anger, speed up grace, and let minor irritations slide. • Practice daily, deliberate compassion – Ask the Spirit to soften stubborn places and grow genuine empathy. • Invite honest accountability – Galatians 6:1-2; Hebrews 3:13 – Give trusted believers permission to confront ungracious attitudes before they harden. • Choose transparent repentance over self-justification – 1 John 1:8-10; Proverbs 28:13 – Confess hypocrisy the moment it surfaces; concealed sin multiplies. • Pursue reconciliation proactively – Romans 12:18; Matthew 5:23-24 – Initiate peace talks instead of waiting for the other person to blink first. • Serve rather than dominate – Philippians 2:3-4; Mark 10:45 – Actively look for ways to meet needs, not demand rights. • Pray blessing over those who wrong us – Intercession turns enemies into ministry opportunities and melts resentment. • Keep the judgment seat in view – 2 Corinthians 5:10; Romans 14:12 – Remember who the real Master is and that every account, including ours, will be audited. • Soak daily in Scripture – Let the Word recalibrate the heart, keeping gratitude and mercy flowing. Scripture Connections • Parable of the unforgiving servant: Matthew 18:21-35 • Joseph forgiving his brothers: Genesis 50:15-21 • Stephen forgiving while dying: Acts 7:59-60 Life Application Snapshot When the next slight comes—and it will—pause, breathe, rehearse the mountain of divine mercy already credited to you, and then extend a down-payment of that same mercy to the offender. Hypocrisy withers where gratitude rules. |
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