He owes his paltry sum to the first man who was a debtor. This first forgiven debtor goes to the second man and demands payment, even choking the second man when he cannot pay. The original creditor calls the big debtor in and angrily restores the debt and announces that he will be delivered to the torturers until the whole debt is paid. The reality and symbolism is unforgettable. I am convinced that forgiveness is the secret to wholeness of spirit and soul.
Criminals often plead innocence claiming they merely respond to a bad early life.
Others harbor resentment and bitterness that destroy relationships and disease personalities. They would claim that they are only the victims of the evil actions of other people. The man who forgives frees himself completely from the bondage of anyone's past action toward him. Nothing, I repeat nothing, profits from unforgiveness. Yet we hang on to our grievances as if forgiving were an indication of weakness.