FORGIVENESS AND GRACE….A STORY FROM CHRIS, AGE 18
It was a gorgeous spring day so – on a whim – my friends and I decided to skip school and have some fun on the Little Miami River. We grabbed inner tubes and just floated the afternoon away. It was a great time! Heck, we were high school seniors and we deserved a little fun, right? Apparently our fun captured the attention of a photographer, too. Our photo was plastered on the front page of the local newspaper the following day! My mom had the paper on the table when I came down for breakfast that next morning. It was obvious I had some explaining to do.
It was tempting to blame the whole idea on my friends or make up an excuse to rationalize my behavior, but I chose to just confess and apologize right away. Since I took responsibility for my actions, I didn’t get grounded – but I did have to promise my parents not to pull that stunt again. Dad wasn’t thrilled with my decision to cut classes, but he was happy about my honesty. He said it showed signs of maturity and integrity.
I got lucky; my decision to skip school didn’t have lasting or harmful consequences, but it also taught me a little bit about forgiveness and grace. My parents accepted my apology and forgave me right away - with the understanding, of course, that I wouldn’t do it again! They didn’t keep bringing it up either - in youth group we call that “extending grace”. I think the real lesson I learned on the Little Miami was this: God works in and through others to offer forgiveness and extend grace for our mistakes - our sins - big and small. I hope I remember to always do the same!
FROM THE BIBLE
“However, if my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways, then I will hear their prayer from heaven, forgive their sins...” 2 Chronicles 7:14
“He is so rich in kindness and grace that he purchased our freedom with the blood of his Son and forgave our sins.” Ephesians 1:7
TABLE TALK WITH THE KIDS
- Have you ever done something you knew would disappoint your parents?
- If so, when confronted did you come clean and tell the truth? Did you apologize for your actions?
- Based on Chris’ story, discuss the meaning of forgiveness and grace. Has someone, besides God, offered forgiveness or extended grace to you? Talk about some examples of this concept with your family.
WHAT ABOUT ME? LET’S DIG IN!
I once heard an analogy about parenting, from toddler to teenager, described like this: Little kids, little problems. Big kids, big problems! Now, isn’t that the truth! The battle of wearing cowboy boots 24/7 seems trivial compared to the struggle of teaching a teen to drive responsibly. However, just because our bodies grow into adulthood - it doesn’t mean our battles disappear or our physical maturity keeps us out of trouble. So let’s add this to the equation: really big kids, really big problems! In fact, while researching concerns facing adults, I came across a book entitled, “ How to Raise Your Adult Children: Because Big Kids Have Even Bigger Problems”. The book touches base on the adult issues of money, work, in-laws, and marriage. Can you relate? I think we all can in one way or another.
Problems usually enter our lives by one of two methods: 1) sometimes by no fault of our own, or 2) if we’re honest, as a result of our own disobedience or poor judgement. I believe the healing qualities of forgiveness and grace work in both situations. Take Chris’ story as an example. His parents were faced with a problem through no fault of their own, yet they used forgiveness and grace to teach their son a valuable lesson. It's true, Chris has followed their example and responded to others in the same loving manner. Chris, on the other hand, used poor judgement and was disobedient to his parents’ expectations. Yet, he still gained insight by experiencing first-hand the restoring power of forgiveness and grace. Again, the same outcome: Chris has responded to others in the same loving way his parents responded to him. And so goes the cycle of forgiveness and grace.
In scripture, God commands his people to “humble themselves, pray, search for me, and turn from their evil ways” (2 Chronicles 7:14). Simply stated, we are to turn from sin and learn from our past mistakes. As we strive to be more Christ-like, “so rich in kindness and grace” (Ephesians 1:7), our richness of character will be evident in the compassionate treatment of others And so goes the cycle of forgiveness and grace.
MEMORY VERSE
“Remember, it is sin to know what you ought to do and then not do it.” James 4:17