Today’s gospel is all about forgiveness and mercy. “Should you not have pity on your fellow servant, as I the Lord had pity on you?” (Matthew 18:33)
Our dear friend Peter started it all with a very simple question, Lord how many times must I forgive? Jesus then shared a parable and we hear of a King who was moved with compassion because one of his servants begged for more time to pay off his debt. The problem was the man who was forgiven refused to forgive and show mercy to his fellow man, which is exactly the kind of mercy our Lord calls us to. We are called to show mercy, compassion, forgiveness and gratitude.

If only the servant whose debt was forgiven had been grateful enough to practice the same kindness he would not have been handed over to be tortured and pay his debt in full. Unfortunately we can often be like this very servant, failing to be grateful for the mercy and compassion shown to us.

Today, let us imitate Jesus and not only forgive others when they hurt us but show them compassion in giving them a second chance. God forgives us again and again and He never holds our sins against us but instead wipes our soul clean. Let us ask our Heavenly Father to strengthen us in showing mercy towards others.

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time, be blessed, Renae

Today’s gospel teaches us the importance of lovingly correcting each other’s behavior. A healthy relationship always involves honestly. Wouldn’t you be grateful if someone helped you change a bad habit?  I personally would want to know if I was hurting someone. And yet, being directly honest with one another can be challenging. But guess what folks, Jesus never promised us an easy life. Then again, how can we tell if someone is trying to help or just being a gossip?

Gossip can be defined as is a story about people that is designed to hurt, not rescue, and spread among people anonymously.

How can I recognize a gossiper from a compassionate person just trying to help?
Well, first ask yourself is what you are hearing designed to help or hurt?  
Does there seem to be a sincere desire to for accurate truth about all involved?
Did the person talk directly to the all involved as Jesus told us to do in today’s gospel?
And finally, what if the stories you are hearing were about you?

Jesus asked His followers to judge based on what they saw and heard from their own eyes and ears, this alone can help us avoid gossiping. Jesus calls us to be compassionate and understanding.  Even if we have to walk away from the situation we should do so with love and respect.  After all remember how Jesus treated the Gentiles and the tax collectors?  Shouldn’t we do the same?

Thanks for stopping by!
Until next time, be blessed, Renae