Sermons on San Mateo 18:31:

The Freedom Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Michael Blitz on Nov 5, 2023

This morning we look at Matthew 18:21-35 and learn the true meaning behind Forgiveness. Forgiving others is not just a command which Christ gives to us, but something which heals us from bitterness.

The Freedom of Forgiveness (Thanks to Jeff Strite @ Sermon Central for many ideas in this) Our Epistle Lesson begins with Paul thanking God for the Philippians. Their Bishop, Epaphroditus, brought Paul a substantial love offering to help cover his costs while he sat in house arrest in Rome. ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Anglican

Sin Of Taking Advantage Of Others Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Feb 13, 2024

Taking advantage of others is like draining their soul, leaving them empty and dry. It may fill our pockets, but it drains our humanity.

In the Bible, God teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to treat others the way we want to be treated. But sadly, there are those who choose to exploit and manipulate others for their own gain. In Leviticus 19:13, God says, "Do not take advantage of a hired worker who is poor and ...read more

Scripture: Leviticus 19:13, Matthew 18:23-35

Pray Graciously Series

Contributed by Davon Huss on Aug 7, 2024

In what ways are we to forgive? (Material adapted from Bob Hostetler's book, the Red Letter Prayer Life; chapter 11 of the same title)

HoHum: It sounds like something out of a horror movie, but it’s real. In recent years, scientists have discovered a kind of bacterial infection called necrotizing fasciitis, more commonly called flesh eating bacteria. Once this bacterium enters a human body, it can multiply rapidly. Within 24 ...read more

Scripture: Luke 11:4, Matthew 6:12, Matthew 6:14-15, Matthew 18:23-35

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

Radical Forgiveness: The Parable Of The Unforgiving Servant Series

Contributed by Dr. Bradford Reaves on Aug 28, 2024

Radical Forgiveness: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Radical Forgiveness: The Parable of the Unmerciful Servant Dr. Bradford Reaves Crossway Christian Fellowship Hagerstown, MD www.mycrossway.org Matthew 18:21-35 A little girl’s Prayer: A little girl was eating alone in the corner of the dining room as part of her punishment. The family paid no ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Brethren

Converted And Becoming A Child: A Lifelong Lesson In Humility And Forgiveness

Contributed by Herb Pulse on Sep 20, 2024

them, Verily I say unto you, Except ye be converted, and become as little children, ye shall not enter into the kingdom of heaven.

Matthew 18 is a complete look and lesson in our need to submit ourselves unto God in full surrender of humility. We cannot be partial in our response to humility. We cannot go part of the way with God only. Jesus opens the chapter by calling out and presenting before His disciples, the most ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:1-4, Matthew 18:23-35

Denomination: Christian Church

Forgive Our Debts Just As (Part Two) Series

Contributed by Steve Malone on May 24, 2023

In part two of this message we will answer 3 questions: Why we should forgive our debtors? What we should not do with our hurt? How to forgive our debtors?

“Forgive Us Our Debts As...” Dismiss Grove KIDZ OKAY – let’s do this... AND MGCC – I want to let you know right out of the gate, THAT - we are going to be diving into some serious truth this morning. TRUTHS - that many of us would rather not deal with. TRUTHS - that most of us would prefer were ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 6:12-15

Denomination: Christian/Church Of Christ

From Debtor To Servant: The Transformative Journey Of Forgiveness

Contributed by Christian Jones on Jun 19, 2023

Today, let’s look at the powerful words of Jesus found in Matthew 18:23-35, where He shares the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. This parable holds immense relevance for us today, as it reveals profound truths about forgiveness, mercy, and the consequences of harboring an unforgiving spirit.

1. God's Unlimited Mercy: In the parable, we encounter a servant who owes an enormous debt to his king. Despite the servant's inability to repay, the king, moved by compassion, forgives the debt entirely. This act highlights God's boundless mercy toward us. As Psalm 103:10-12 states, ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:23-35, Psalm 103:10-12, 1 Peter 1:18-19, Matthew 6:14-15, Colossians 3:13, Ephesians 4:32, Matthew 18:21-22, Luke 17:3-4, James 2:13  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Pentecostal

Getting Even

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 1, 2023

We can be sure that if payment needs to be made, God will see to it - and he keeps better accounts than you and I ever could.

Robert Simon is dead. He was killed last Tuesday. His family knew him as Robbie. Maybe you know him better as “Mudman.” And maybe you thought, as I did when I heard the news, that justice had been done. Because, you see, Mudman Simon killed Franklinville police officer Lee Gonzalez four and a ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Condition Critical

Contributed by Alison Bucklin on Jul 1, 2023

The differences between us - you and me - and the brothers and sisters we find it so easy to criticize - shrinks to nothing at all when we look, instead, at the difference between ourselves and Jesus.

A few years ago I had an interesting talk with my mother about the nature of friendship. At one point I made the comment that the only bottom line requirement I had for a friend was that I needed to know I’d be forgiven for my mistakes. Her response was telling. She said that I had unrealistically ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Matthew 7:1-5

Denomination: Presbyterian/Reformed

Sin And Forgiveness.

Contributed by Christopher Holdsworth on Jul 15, 2023

Perhaps the original grievance was resolved, between one brother and another. The brother was ‘regained’ (Matthew 18:15): but what if he offends again?

SIN AND FORGIVENESS. Matthew 18:15-35. 1. Regaining the straying brother. Matthew 18:15-20. ‘The Son of man is come to save that which was lost,’ declared Jesus (Matthew 18:11). The Lord illustrated this with a story of a man who left his ninety-nine sheep to seek out just one lost sheep ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:15-35

Denomination: Evangelical/Non-Denominational

Forgive!

Contributed by Simon Bartlett on May 5, 2024

Jesus tells us that we MUST forgive. We have a fundamental moral obligation to forgive. There is a terrible consequence if we don't forgive. But what does it mean to forgive?

INTRODUCTION Today we’re looking at a passage about forgiveness. It may be the longest passage about forgiveness in the Bible and it’s extremely important. Forgiveness is a God-quality. It’s at the heart of what God is like. We find it very tough to do. But in this teaching, Jesus demands that ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

Denomination: Baptist

When Good People Grow Weary Of Unjust And Ungrateful People. Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on May 27, 2024

Good people, by nature, are empathetic and compassionate, always willing to lend a helping hand.

Good people, by nature, are empathetic and compassionate, always willing to lend a helping hand. However, even the most patient and kind-hearted individuals have their limits. The Bible acknowledges this reality and offers guidance on how to navigate such situations. The Parable of the Unforgiving ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 17:11-19, Psalm 109:1-5

Generational And Hereditary Curses And Breaking The Patterns Series

Contributed by Shaila Touchton on Sep 23, 2025

The Bible teaches us about the concept of generational and hereditary curses, where the actions of our ancestors can have a lasting impact on our lives.

The Bible teaches us about the concept of generational and hereditary curses, where the actions of our ancestors can have a lasting impact on our lives. Let's explore examples of these curses and patterns, along with biblical verses to support each point. Examples of Generational and ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35

The Forgiveness Factor

Contributed by David Dunn on Sep 27, 2025

Forgiveness received and given restores innocence, frees us from bondage, and releases God’s joy and power through faith in Jesus Christ.

Introduction – Unlocking What’s Stuck Not long ago I picked up my phone and realized I’d forgotten the passcode. No matter how many times I swiped, the screen stayed locked. I tried combinations I was sure were right—nothing. That’s what unforgiveness does to the heart. We try every swipe—new ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Luke 11:4, Psalm 51:10, Colossians 3:13, Hebrews 11:6  (view more)  (view less)

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist

490 Times?

Contributed by David Dunn on Oct 8, 2025

Forgiveness isn’t counted but lived—when we release others, God releases us, mercy triumphs, and faith regains its power to move mountains.

Mercy triumphs over judgment — that’s what the Word of God says. And if we’re honest, every one of us here needs mercy. We’ve needed it before, we’ll need it again before the day’s over. If it weren’t for the mercy and compassion of God, where would we be? Utterly consumed. Gone. Done for. But His ...read more

Scripture: Matthew 18:21-35, Mark 11:22-26, Genesis 50:15-21, James 2:13

Denomination: Seventh-Day Adventist