Forgiving Attitude Parable

Part 1

Matthew 6:12-15; 18:21-35
Luke 17:3-4

When you are first learning to paddle, you often don’t have very good control of where your boat is going and your paddling friends don’t either. It is common that you bump into each other and knock each other off course from time to time. This happens on flatwater and river paddling, especially when two different boats try to go through a narrow channel at the same time. You may only bump into someone else once or twice or it might be often leading to extra frustration and tension between you. It can be frustrating but it is helpful to remember that you are working together toward the same goal, having fun and successfully negotiating your boat to the end. During these times of frustration, it is important to remember Jesus’ words concerning forgiveness.

Part 2

Ephesians 4:26
Hebrews 12:15

Often our health, our relationships, school work, maybe even jobs and literally every facet of our lives can be disrupted by the poison of bitterness and unforgiven wrongs. The hurt and pain that comes from an unforgiving attitude can become poison in our lives and keep us from achieving our potential as a loving child of God. There are few places more conducive to ridding ourselves of this hurt than sitting in a quiet place with a good view of the valley spread out before you. As the sun falls lower in the sky, the lengthening shadows tend to soothe our hurts. Take the opportunity of such a situation to pray eagerly, confess our failure to forgive those who have wronged us, ask God to love others with the same gracious and unselfish love with which God has offered us. Then, as light disappears from the sky, ask for the wisdom and strength to forgive others and thank God for granting you a generous sense of peacefulness which will fill your heart and mind.