reaching out with forgiveness

A little boy Mason was visiting his grandparents & given his 1st slingshot. He practiced in the woods, but he could never hit his target. As he came back to Grandma’s backyard, he saw her pet duck. On an impulse he took aim & let fly. The stone hit, and the duck fell dead.

Mason panicked. Desperately he hid the dead duck in the woodpile, only to look up and find his sister Isabelle watching. She had seen it all, and she had a big smile on her face.

After lunch that day, Grandma said, “Isabelle, let’s wash the dishes.” But Isabelle said, “Mason told me he wanted to help in the kitchen today. Didn’t you, Mason?” And she whispered to him, “Remember the duck! So Mason did the dishes.

Later Grandpa asked if the kids wanted to go fishing, Grandma said, “I’m sorry, but I need Isabelle to help make supper.” Isabelle smiled and said, “That’s all taken care of. Mason wants to do it.” Again she whispered, “Remember the duck.” Mason stayed while Isabelle went fishing.

After several days of Mason doing both his chores and Isabelle’s, finally he couldn’t stand it. He confessed to Grandma that he’d killed the duck.

“I know, Mason,” she said, giving him a hug. “I was standing at the window and saw the whole thing. I forgive you. I wondered how long you would let Isabelle make you her slave.

Forgiveness frees us.

This morning there are some of you who are slaves to sin, you need to be forgiven.

There are some of you who are slaves to guilt, you need to recognize your forgiveness.

In our account, we see forms of the word “forgive” in v. 5, 7, 9, 10. 

Let’s see how Jesus extends forgiveness to those who exercise faith.