The document discusses the fruit of the spirit of patience. It summarizes a passage from Matthew where Jesus tells Peter to forgive others not just 7 times but 70 times 7. Jesus then shares a parable about a servant who is forgiven a huge debt by his master but refuses to forgive a fellow servant a much smaller debt. The parable teaches that if we do not forgive others, neither will God forgive us. Reflecting on God's great patience and forgiveness can help us develop patience with difficult people.

1. Growing in the likeness of Christ.
Fruit of the Spirit.
Lesson 4 – Patience
Matthew 18:21-35
21
Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive
him? till seven times? 22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until
seventy times seven. 23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which
would take account of his servants. 24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto
him, which owed him ten thousand talents. 25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord
commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be
made. 26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshiped him, saying, Lord, have patience with
me, and I will pay thee all. 27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion and
loosed him, and forgave him the debt. 28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his
fellow servants, which owed him a hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by
the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest. 29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and
besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all. 30 And he would not: but
went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt. 31 So when his fellowservants saw what
was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done. 32 Then his
lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that
debt, because thou desiredst me: 33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellow
servant, even as I had pity on thee? 34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the
tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him. 35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father
do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
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Let’s face it. Some people drive us up the wall. We try to pour out love to them, but they are
totally insensitive to us. We try to be genuine, but they misunderstand us and subtly knife us in
the back. How should we treat such people? The Lord Jesus tells us in the parable of the
unmerciful servant.
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Discussion Questions
1. Why is it hard to keep forgiving people who do the same thing wrong over and over?
2. In the passage above, the Lord Jesus had just been talking about forgiveness when Peter
approached him (v.21). What had Peter been wondering as he listened to the Lord Jesus?
3. The rabbis taught that a repeated sin should be forgiven three times. (Peter’s offer seems
generous!). What was shocking about The Lord’s reply (v.22)?

2. 4. The Lord’s reply to Peter is enlarged by the parable in verses 23-35. What is the first servant’s
problem in this parable?
5. How was his problem solved far beyond anything he could have hoped for?
6. How does the master illustrate God’s patience and forgiveness toward us?
7. How does the way the first servant was treated contrast with the way he treats his fellow
servant?
8. Why do you think he failed to be patient or forgiving after having been forgiven so much?
9. If we fail to treat others with patience and forgiveness, how will God treat us (vv. 34-35)?
Why is His judgment so harsh?
10. How can a deep appreciation for God’s patience and forgiveness help you with the kind of
person mentioned in question 1?
11. Pray that the God who has been so patient with you will help you be patient with others.
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