Forgiveness Unlimited

When we forgive, do we forget?

In this skit, we learn to pattern our forgiving after what Jesus showed in the parable of the Unmerciful Servant.

Cast: 4 m or f

• Anne
• Jim
• Mary
• Stacy

Bible Reference: Matthew 18:21-38

Set: standard

Sound: wireless mics if available

Song: none

Lighting: standard

SFX: none

Props: none

Costumes: standard

Special Instructions: none

Time: 6

Sample of script:

Anne comes on stage with laptop in hand, mumbling to herself, typing into laptop

Anne:        OK, that’s 3 times. She said my dress was purple, that’s 4.  Oh, the time her Dad drove by and splashed me, that’s 5.  And her dog chewed my favorite ball I left on her lawn.  That’s 6.  There was lots more.  Let’s see now . .

Jim, Mary & Stacy come on stage, watches as Anne talks to herself.

Anne:        And she dropped chocolate ice cream on my new dress, let’s see, that’s 7.

Jim:         Why are you talking to yourself, Anne?

Anne:        Oh, hi Jim, Mary, Stacy.  I’m forgiving my friend Lisa for rotten things she’s done to me.

Jim:         Doesn’t sound much like forgiving, sounds more like you’re remembering.

Anne:        I am obeying God.

Stacy:        Obeying God?

Anne:        God tells us to count and forgive those who do rotten things, and I’m doing it.

Mary:        God tells us to count the things people do to hurt us?  Where in the Bible?

Anne:  It's Matthew, Chapter 18. (reads from Bible)
How often shall my brother sin against me and I forgive him? Up to seven times?
Jesus said to him, "Up to seventy times seven.”
So I have to count 470 times Lisa did rotten stuff and then . . . kaboom!

Jim:         Where did 470 come from?

Anne:        Seventy multiplied by seven equals 470. Duhhhh!

Stacy:        I don’t think that’s what Jesus had in mind.

Anne:        Well of course it was, its right from the Bible.

Mary:        Jesus said we’re to forgive as God forgives, that mans forgetting.

Stacy:        As though it never happened.

Anne:        If I forget the bad things, how am I supposed to count them?

Jim:         You can’t.  That’s what Jesus had in mind.

Anne:        I want to be fair, 490, not one less, not one more! . . It’s Biblical.

Stacy:        It’s silly is what.

Anne:        I’m counting up the 490 times I am supposed to forgive her, and then squash her like a bug.  No one can say I don’t hand out loving Christian forgiveness!

Mary:        I . .  . understand  .. . I, uh, . .  . . don’t think!

Anne:        Look, I’ve gotta go enter more of the rotten things Lisa has done to me.

Jim:         Don’t forget your laptop. Want me to unplug it for you?

Anne, scream: Don’t dare!  My battery’s dead, unplugged I’d lose my input, wouldn’t know how many times Lisa has done rotten things to me.

Jim:         Now that’s Christian love.

Anne:        Certainly wouldn’t want to give the impression I’m unmerciful.

Mary:        Kinda glad you shared that with us, Anne.  Not!

Anne:        Where was I now, oh yes, I’m at 7.

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