"That's not fair!"
It is an unavoidable phrase that must be uttered in every home at some point in time. As selfish creatures, we tend to get upset when someone gets to stay up later or get less severe of a punishment. Our Godly sense of justice is ignited and we cannot help but speak up!
Several of Jesus' parables contain elements of this universal feeling. The unmerciful servant is one that we can relate to. He is forgiven a large debt but then cannot perpetuate that forgiveness and extent mercy to someone who owes him a little.
This is such an important lesson for all of us because it really gives us a glimpse into God's heart. What pleases the Lord? What makes Him angry? This is it - if He forgives you and yet you hold the grudge or let bitterness grow - the good Lord does not take kindly to such actions.
This whole forum is about parents impressing God's truth upon their children. On Sunday, Vern suggested that the context for this parable (Matthew 1821-35) fits within a broader address of Jesus in which He has made an appeal to adults to become more like little children (Matthew 18:1-5).
Perhaps a good starting point for teaching your children this week is to reverse the roles. Read or tell the story and let them teach you about forgiveness. Ask them questions so that you can understand better and revel in the wisdom that God has blessed them with.
Beyond that, how might you impress these truths this week?
Here are a couple more ideas:
Play a game about what forgiveness is and isn't. Vern had some slides on Sunday that made this point that he has shared on his Facebook page. Here is a slightly more kid-friendly list https://whatsinthebible.com/talk-kids-forgiveness/
Another parable that Jesus teaches that highlights forgiveness is the Prodigal Son. Sometimes I get in a rut of reading a story from a book or making up a goofy story on the fly. I'm kicking myself now as I write this because just last night my daughters asked me to tell them a story before bed. I should have told them one of these great stories about forgiveness rather than the nonsense I made up.
I think I've shared this video before, but I can't find it in previous posts. My kids think it's pretty funny: https://www.pursuegodkids.org/how-forgiveness-works/
May God bless your week of pursuing His kingdom and righteousness!