Forgiveness 3

I read a book recently with a title and theme on forgiveness. In the book a young woman learned to forgive her father for some terrible things he did to her.

Have you been hurt by someone? That person could have hurt you physically like hitting you or hurt your feelings by saying something mean. People don’t normally mean to hurt you but when it happens how do you respond?

…

Bats come in different varieties and sizes in the world. Some are huge and some are tiny.

Squeaky is a bat that lives in a large colony. She has her favorite places to sleep upside down in the dark recess of the cave. The cave is her home and she has close friends in the colony. Near the cave is her favorite bush that’s full of nice juicy fruit that taste so good. Everything she needs is close, comfortable home, food, family, and friends. The colony is large and the bats congregate together in a huge clump.
As the sun reaches the horizon in the east the bats make their way into the dark cave. Bats are nocturnal or they only come out at night. Squeaky found her favorite spot next to her friends and cozied in to sleep. Right when they are all comfortable, Needles another bat pushed his way through and snuggled up between Squeaky and her best friend, Flutter.

“Needles, what are you doing?” Squeaky asked.

“Getting comfortable,” answered Needles.

“Why don’t you go over by your friends? This is our place and we always sleep here.” Flutter said.

“I know but it’s more fun here.” Needles said.

“Please go away,” pleaded Squeaky but Needles didn’t move. The three friends tried to make the best of things. They would have spent a few minutes talking but not with Needles present. Squeaky didn’t know why Needles tried to annoy her. Getting comfortable was difficult with him there. She didn’t want to touch him, let alone lean into him. Beanie her friend on the other side, was leaning on her causing Squeaky to strain to hold herself away from Needles. Sleep was going to be rough today, if she got any at all.

When the females were about to sleep, Needles swooped away from them and joined his group of friends. Squeaky, Flutter, and Beanie stretched out a little and got comfortable.

“I’m glad he’s gone. He’s probably talking about us.” Flutter said. The trio of friends thought they heard Needles and his friends laughing.

That night, the friends along with thousands of other bats left the cave. They were hungry. Squeaky reached her favorite bush and bit into the flesh of a berry.

The branch she was on swayed.

Squeaky looked to her right. “Now what do you want?”

“I thought I’d try the berries.” Needles said.

“Your friends are off enjoying a great night out, why don’t you join them?”

“I will later.”

Squeaky tried to enjoy her fruit, but Needles kept shaking the branch and making noises. Squeaky couldn’t take it any longer and flew off. Needles came up next to her in the air.

Annoyed and a little angry she said, “Stop following me!”

Needles laughed and glided away. Squeaky didn’t want to be an angry and an unforgiving bat. She wanted to forgive Needles even though he didn’t ask for it.

Right then, she felt a touch on her wing. Looking over her shoulder she saw Needles speed away from her. He swooped at her a few more times, always barely touching her. Squeaky felt she needed to be kind to him and forgive him even when he annoyed and bothered her.

Needles annoyed Squeaky as often as he could. He poked at her when she ate. He swooped at her when she flew. He bothered her and her friends. Squeaky forgave him each time.

Soon, his annoying behavior lessened. He didn’t bother her as often. Finally, he stopped bothering her completely.

She flew over to him and asked him, “Needles, thanks for giving me some peace, but why are you leaving me alone?”

“You didn’t get angry or yell. It wasn’t much fun.” He smiled and flew away.

Squeaky was glad she did the right thing.

Children, do you forgive others? Do you forgive right away or do you wait for them to tell you that they are sorry? What happens if they don’t tell you they are sorry? Should we forgive anyway? What if they repeat the offence? 

The Bible says we need to forgive. We may have to forgive a person bazillion times. Here is an example Jesus Christ gives to Peter:

Memorize: Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how often shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? Up to seven times?” Jesus said to him, “I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven.

Verses in NKJV unless otherwise stated.

Forgiveness 2

Brennen is a boy who loves to ride his green bicycle. He rides his bike to school and around his neighborhood. His bicycle is special because he saved his own money to buy it. He mowed lawns and did extra chores at home. It took him many months to get the money together. 

One day, Brennen pulled into the school yard when his friend, James jogged up. “Hey Brennen, I saw your name on the list. You made the school play! They just put the list up. Come on!”

Brennen slid off his bike and leaned it against the rack without taking the time to chain it. They ran into the building to see his name on the list. Sure enough, his name was there and he got the lead!

“Wow, can you believe it?” Brennon said.

Soon, he was surrounded by kids patting him on the back and giving him high fives. He was beaming as they walked to class. At the end of the day, Brennen scooped up his books and hurried to his bike. He couldn’t wait to tell his parents.

His bike was gone! Brennen checked out every rack and his sweet green bike was nowhere to be seen. Brennen ran to the school’s office.

“Mrs. Kelly, my bike is gone! Someone must have stolen it!”

“Slow down Brennen and start over,” Mrs. Kelly said.

“I put my bike in the rack right out front this morning, but now it’s gone! What am I going to do?”

Mrs. Kelly called Brennen’s mom and the police. They did a complete search of the premises but didn’t find the bike. Brennen showed the police officer a picture of his bicycle. The officer took the picture to the station so the other officers could identify what they were looking for. Brennen went home with tears in his eyes. He cried most of the night. His parents were sad for him. Days went by but they still didn’t find it.

Brennen’s mom helped him make flyers with the picture of the bike and an award for its return. Brennen walked around the neighborhood putting the flyers up all over. He was sad. He had worked hard for his bike.Winter was coming so he wouldn't be employed to mow lawns until next spring.

One day at school, the drama teacher, Miss Fundy, found him and said, “Brennen, why haven’t you been to practice for the play?”

Brennen’s eyes grew large. “I forgot! My bike was stolen the day I found out about getting the part. I didn’t even tell my parents. I used to ride my bike to school but I ride the bus now. I’m not sure I can stay late after school.”

“Oh, I understand and I'm sorry about your bike. I'll call your mom and maybe we can make arrangements. We still want you in the play.”

Brennen’s mom and Miss Fundy worked out the details so Brennen could make the practices.

Brennen was excited to be part of the cast in the play. He knew many of the players. He was a little behind learning his part but felt he could catch up. One of the kids in the play is named Todd. Todd went home sick right after practice started.

The next day, Todd didn’t come to practice.

Miss Fundy called Todd’s mom. “We missed Todd at practice.”

“He’s still sick. His stomach has been bothering him but I’m sure he will be better soon.” Todd’s mom said.

“I hope so. We made some changes to the script and I would like to send someone to bring them by so he can get familiar with them before Monday’s practice.”

“Yes, that would be fine. We’ll be home the rest of the day and evening.”

“Thank you. Tell Todd we miss him and to get better soon.” Miss Fundy hung up and went in search for Brennen. Brennen was in the hall waiting for his mom to pick him up.

“Brennen, your mom should be here soon. I’ll wait with you. I want to ask for her help with something.”

They chatted while they waited. Soon, his mom came in to get him.

“Mrs. Thompson, would you and Brennen be able to drop off these script changes to Todd on your way home? He lives near you.” Miss Fundy asked.

“We would be happy to.” Brennen’s mom said.

Todd lived on the street around the corner of Brennen’s home. With the script in hand, Brennen jumped out of the car and trotted up to the porch. He reached up to ring the bell, when out of the corner of his eye, he glimpsed a green bike.  Brennen hurried to the bike and ran his hand over it. It was his!

“Mom! Mom come here!” Brennen yelled.

Mrs. Thompson hurried out of the car and up onto the porch. “What’s wrong? Are you hurt?”

“Look, it’s my bike!”

Mrs. Thompson bent over and peered at the bike. “It resembles yours, are you sure?”

“Yes, look at this sticker I put on the fender.”

“Don't say anything about your bike. Let me do the talking.” They went to the door and rang the bell.

Todd’s mom answered the door. “May I help you? Oh, hi Brennen. You must have come with the script.”

“Hello, my name is Brenda, I’m Brennen’s mom. We brought the script but I have a question for you. Is that your son’s bike?” Mrs. Thompson pointed to the bike.

“Yes, he just got it. He said a friend gave the bike to him. I thought it was a mighty nice gift for helping clean out a garage. Why do you ask?”

“Brennen had a bike just like it but it disappeared from school a few weeks ago. It’s such a coincidence.”

Todd’s mom frowned and opened the door wider. “Please come in. Have a seat and I’ll get Todd.”

Brennen and his mom sat down and waited for Todd and his mom. They came in a while later. Todd had his arms crossed, head down, and wouldn’t look at them.

“Todd, you need to tell us the truth. Whose bike is that and how did you come into possession of it?” his mom asked.

After a few moments Todd said in a barely audible voice. “Brennen left it leaning against the rack and I moved it. After school, I took it home. I made up the part of helping clean out that garage.”

“Oh Todd,” his mom said, "We will talk about your punishment later, but right now, what do you say to Brennen?”

After a moment he said, “I’m sorry Brennen.”

“Why did you take my bike?” Brennen asked.

“Well, it’s so cool and I don’t have one.” Todd finally looked up at Brennen.

Brennen looked at Todd’s face and the silent tear running down his cheek. “I forgive you Todd. Come over tomorrow and I’ll let you ride it.”

Todd smiled and nodded.

Brennen rode his bike home. He was happy he got his bike back but  he was hurt that his friend took it. He worked out his feelings by the time he rode up the driveway. He put his bike safely in the garage before he went in for supper. From then on, Brennen made sure his bike was securely locked up or put away whenever he was not riding it.

What do you think of Brennen? Would you have forgiven Todd? Right then or waited a while? Is there anyone you need to forgive?

God wants us to forgive and love everyone even our enemies. Matthew 5:44 But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you.

Memorize: Colossians 3:13 b…and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.

Verses in NKJV unless otherwise stated.

Forgiveness

Ande is a gazelle in his teens living in Africa. He’s at that awkward age where his legs don’t always obey his brain. He trips often. Dumi, his good friend, is not so clumsy. In fact, Dumi is graceful like gazelle’s are known to be.

Ande doesn’t want to trip, who would? One day he’ll grow out of his ungracefulness. Right now though, he’s clumsy and awkward. In a large herd of gazelles, when they run, sometimes he accidently falls into one or more.

A few days ago, Ande and Dumi were grazing and talking. They belong in the bachelor herd along with about fifty others. Kimoni, the eldest in the herd, skidded up and yelled, “A Cheetah is on the prowl, take flight!”

Immediately, there was pandemonium, which means chaos or unrestrained disorder. The gazelles ran every which way all at the same time. There were collisions and confusion. Dumi ran to his left as Ande ran to his right causing them to collide. Ande said, “Sorry.” as he moved to his left. Untangled, they ran.

The herd was one, flying through the Savanna. When they were almost at the end of their endurance they came to a halt. Panting, they looked back with frightened eyes. It looked as though they had out run the fastest animal alive. They relaxed and grazed.

A twig snapped. In that direction the grass moved. It must be the cheetah! More frightened this time they scattered. Ande fell against Dumi. He got back on his feet and took two leaps and tripped into Dumi again. “I’m sorry.” he said.

“You need to stop doing that!” said Dumi.

On they ran. Again Ande tripped, this time taking Dumi down in the fall. Dumi thought the cheetah had him. He struggled to free himself. When the two were upright, Dumi saw it was Ande. He got angry. “You have knocked into me for the last time! Stay away from me!” Dumi didn’t wait for Ande’s reply. He took off like a flash.

Ande was shocked. Dumi had never spoken to him like that before. He didn’t have time to dwell on it because he needed to get out of the cheetah’s sights. Off he went after the herd.

Finally, the herd stopped and Ande made his way up to his friend. “I’m sorry, Dumi. I didn’t mean to fall on you. Are you all right?”

“I told you to stay away from me! You almost got us killed!”

“But Dumi…” Ande didn’t finish because Dumi leaped away.

Ande stood there watching his best friend leave. Sadness filled his heart. He didn’t know what to do. He longed for his friend to understand. Looking around, he discovered he was all alone. Loneliness crowded into his sad heart. He fell to the ground and put his head on his front legs. What was he going to do? Dumi had always been so understanding and kind.

From a distance, Kimoni saw the exchange between Ande and Dumi. Kimoni followed Dumi. “Dumi, what did you say to Ande?” asked Kimoni.

“I told him to stay away from me.”

“Why did you do that? I thought you two were friends.”

Dumi said, “We were. He tripped and made us fall. I thought the cheetah had me. I thought I was going to be killed! I don’t want Ande around anymore.”

“Oh, I understand. Did you see the cheetah?”

“No.”

“So you were not in any real danger. The cheetah ran out of steam long ago. We were well ahead of him. Do you think Ande did that on purpose? Did he want to harm you? What do you think Ande would have done had the cheetah been close to attacking you?”

Dumi shrugged.

“From watching him all of his life, I believe he would have stepped between you and the cheetah and taken the hit. Ande loves you like a brother. He would never want harm to come to you. Ande is all alone right now.” Kimoni finished speaking leaving Dumi alone with his thoughts.

Dumi had a rough night. He couldn’t get what Kimoni said out of his mind. He knew in his heart, Ande didn’t trip on purpose. He knew he should forgive him and patch it up. He stewed on it all the next day.

Ande hadn’t seen Dumi since he stormed off and realized Dumi had meant what he said. He felt sad thinking he didn’t have a friend in the world. Ande left the herd. He walked for miles. He didn’t have a plan where he was going and he didn’t care.

All of a sudden he heard hooves behind him. He stopped and turned as he was flattened to the ground and pinned. “Where do you think you are going?”

Surprised Ande answered, “Nowhere.”

“Well buddy, you’ll have to change your mind and come back. I miss you and the grass is calling, waiting for you to consume a ton.” said Dumi.

Ande said, “But I thought you said for me to stay away from you.”

“I did but I shouldn’t have. You didn’t knock me over on purpose. I thought the cheetah had me. I’m sorry I yelled at you.”

“Dumi, I forgive you. Are we still friends?”

“Of course! We will always be best buds.” said Dumi.

 “I’m sorry I knocked you over and frightened you.”

“I know and I should have forgiven you right then.”

Together they walked back to the herd, occasionally chasing a butterfly. Ande knocked into Dumi playfull and on purpose this time. They both broke out in an explosive laugh.

Kimoni watched them approach and swelled with pride knowing Dumi did the right thing.

Boys and girls, how well do you forgive others? Do you do it right away? People will hurt you. Most will not do it on purpose, but it will happen. Forgiveness is the best medicine for you to feel better even if they don’t ask for forgiveness. When someone hurts us, our job is to forgive. The Lord wants us to forgive others and to say we are sorry when we hurt someone.

Memorize one or both of these verses: Matthew 6:14: For if we forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will forgive you. Colossians 3:13a: bearing with one another, and forgiving one another…

Verses in NKJV unless otherwise stated.