By Rt. Hon. Thomas Tayebwa
In the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matthew 18:21-35), Jesus tells the story of a servant who owed his master a debt of $100,000. Desperate, he begged for mercy, and his master graciously forgave the entire debt. But soon after, this same servant met a fellow worker who owed him just $10. Instead of showing compassion, he seized the man by the throat and demanded immediate payment. When the debtor pleaded for more time, the unforgiving servant had him thrown in jail.
When the master heard of this cruelty, he summoned the man and said angrily, “You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?” He then ordered that the man be jailed until he repaid all he owed.
This powerful parable offers a sobering reminder of the consequences of withholding forgiveness. As we gather for the 27th Uganda National Prayer Breakfast, it is fitting to reflect on our need for mercy and forgiveness — both as individuals and as a nation. We are, after all, imperfect people in need of grace, living briefly before we are called to give account before the King of Kings for how we have treated others and used our gifts.
As Uganda approaches another election cycle, old mistakes and political divisions can easily resurface. It is tempting for rival camps to reopen wounds or exploit resentment for political gain. But this season calls for unity, restraint, and the courage to forgive. The theme of this year’s Prayer Breakfast — forgiveness and reconciliation — could not be more timely.
In the words of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., “We are tied together in a single garment of destiny, caught in an inescapable network of mutuality.” Our destinies are intertwined. To hold grudges or to hate one another is to wound the very fabric that binds us together as a people. Fellowships such as the National Prayer Breakfast are vital spaces for rebuilding trust, fostering reconciliation, and inviting God’s blessing upon our nation and region.
Imagine more than 15,000 people — leaders from politics, business, religion, diplomacy, and civil society — coming together to pray, reflect, and seek divine guidance. Such a gathering is deeply pleasing in the sight of God.
Prayer is a powerful force. It transforms hearts, softens tempers, and inspires us to do better. It leads to harmony, forgiveness, and peace — the very virtues our country needs most at this critical time.
As we bow our heads in this year’s National Prayer Breakfast, may we remember the lesson of the Unforgiving Servant: that refusing to forgive only destroys us from within. May this occasion renew in us the spirit of forgiveness, reconciliation, and love — for our neighbors, for our leaders, and for our nation.
