Show Them Forgiveness

Saturday, June 22. 2018

The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.” So they began to celebrate.‭‭Luke‬ ‭15:21-24‬ ‭NIV‬‬

With today’s blog title, you might not be surprised that I would use this Luke passage as my Scripture. It’s a good one for showing a father’s forgiveness for his wayward son. By requesting his part of his father’s fortune while his dad was still alive, this young man had basically told his daddy that he wished he were dead. The wealth was more important to him than his father’s life. 

Of course, once all the money was gone and the young man found himself homeless and destitute, he realized the error of his ways. Being a servant on his father’s land would be a far cry better than where he had ended up. 

But instead of his father chastising him and agreeing to let him come home as a hired servant, he welcomed his son home with open arms and with great celebration. 

The father in this parable shows us at least four things:

1. God’s willingness to forgive us, his wayward children. 
2. How earthly fathers should be quick to forgive their own children. 
3. How children should respect their parents. 
4. That everybody can approach God for forgiveness no matter how badly they have messed up. 

I'd like to consider two other Scripture passages today. As you read them, think of how this applies to earthly fathers showing their children forgiveness.

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.Colossians 3:13

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.Ephesians 4:31-32

My title today is, "Show Them Forgiveness." Indeed, fathers should forgive their children when they mess up. But fathers should also model forgiveness to their children in how they deal with people outside the home. Forgiveness, kindness and compassion leave no room for bitterness, rage, anger, brawling, slander or malice. Fathers should model this for their children every day with all their relationships.

LORD, we celebrated Father's Day last Sunday and I have talked about how important fathers are all week long. I am so grateful for my father and for my children's father because they have practiced discipline, intercession, affirmation, and forgiveness in keeping with your word. May we learn from them and be better witnesses for You as a result.