And he drove the lesson home with a parable about two very different kinds of debts. If God has forgiven each of us our debt, which was very great, we, too must forgive others the debt they owe us. Jesus teaches that one must forgive in order to be forgiven. If we do not forgive our fellow man we cannot expect God to forgive us. Mercy is truly a gift and it is offered in such a way that justice is not negated.
Mercy follows justice and perfects it.
To pardon the unrepentant is not mercy but license. If we want mercy shown to us we must be ready to forgive others as God has forgiven us. Lord, you have been kind and forgiving towards me. May I be merciful as you are merciful. Free me from all bitterness and resentment that I may truly forgive from the heart those who have caused me injury or grief.