SUNDAY SCHOOL LESSON - SEPT 7TH

How should high-profile athletes, entertainers, politicians, business leaders, and religious leaders be treated when they violate the law? Such situations often face our nation, communities, and churches. Response to violations of trust polarizes people. Some people demand justice while others desire forgiveness and restoration. Many people are unsure about how they feel or don’t seem to care, though all usually give an opinion if pressed. What do you think? How should those who violate legal, moral, and ethical principles be treated? Do you demand punishment, offer forgiveness, or take a stance between these two?

 Revenge seems to rule the day. Political candidates answer nasty campaign ads with equal venom. Even in the church, people bear grudges for years and as a result divide the fellowship and destroy spiritual vitality. Families often are torn apart by unforgiveness and bitterness.

 Recall your own experiences with forgiveness. When did you first experience forgiveness of your sins through faith in Jesus? Relish God’s forgiveness through Jesus’ life, suffering, death, and resurrection and thank God for those who helped you come to experience God’s forgiveness. Thank God for a time a fellow Christian forgave you for something you did to offend him or her.

In the context of Jesus' teaching His disciples about how to treat and relate to others (Matt. 18:1-35, Peter asked how many times he should forgive a brother. Jesus told the parable of the unforgiving slave to emphasize that His followers should place no limits on their forgiveness.

 Do you presently need to forgive someone? One of four of Jesus’ parables in our study theme for September, entitled Short Stories, Tall Orders, challenges us to Forgive Early and Often. Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving slave will help you and those you lead take a good look at your relationships and attitudes and, if needed, confront the need to forgive others and then to do something about it.