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The Homecoming

Album: Gold Audio 10: Other Times, Other Places

Episode: 159

Lesson/Theme: Forgiveness.

Bible Verse: Matthew 6:12

Characters: Lucy, Eugene, Whit, Tom

Writer:

Sound Designer: Dave Arnold

Original Air Date: July 20, 1991

Last Air Date: August 7, 2008

Description:
Richard Maxwell is back in town, and immediately everyone is on guard, especially Tom and Lucy. Tom is instantly suspicious of Maxwell, while Lucy just wants to steer clear of him. Richard asks to talk with Whit. In their conversation, Richard reveals the real reason he's back in town: He wants to apologize to the people he hurt. Whit is happy to hear it, but he clarifies the difference between merely apologizing and asking for forgiveness. The latter means that Richard needs their pardon for what he's done. Richard says he wants to ask forgiveness. He starts with Whit, who immediately grants Richard's request. Richard moves on, asking Connie, Eugene, Lucy, and Tom for forgiveness. Connie forgives Richard almost instantly. Eugene grants him conditional forgiveness. That is, he will accept Richard's apology with the understanding that they won't become anything more than acquaintances. When it comes to Lucy and Tom, however, Richard runs into large and painful brick walls. Lucy is still hurting from the way Richard used her during the Blackgaard/Applesauce fiasco. Tom refuses to trust Richard any further than Tom can throw him. Richard decides to leave town. But just before he boards the bus, Lucy rushes up and tells Richard that she's done a lot of soul searching and realizes that she, too, must forgive him. Richard thanks her and leaves. Only Tom is left holding his grudge . . . which he and Whit later bring humbly and earnestly before the Lord.

Questions:
What is the difference between apologizing to someone and asking for their forgiveness? Which do you think is harder to do? What does the Bible say about forgiveness? Do you need forgiveness for something you've done? Do you need to forgive someone else?