A third saying on faith explains how to address the second saying on forgiveness. This is followed by a teaching parable which reminds the disciples that their capacity to forgive is more by grace through faith than a good work deserving of reward. The passage v1-2. God is a merciful God, a forgiving God. The disciple is to reflect this divine quality by fostering a forgiving nature.
Forgiveness is central to the Christian ethic.
It is probably the most practical expression of love. Jesus reminds them that it is not the greatness of their faith that moves such a mountain, but rather the greatness of God's gracious power at work within them. Forgiveness, both given and applied, is a gift of God's grace, activated through faith. The concluding parable serves to illustrate the divine source of forgiveness, and thus eradicate any notion of worthiness in the disciple who is able to forgive. Fostering a forgiving nature is a quality of discipleship realized, not by effort, but rather by grace through faith.