Introduction: Forgiveness

CONNECT

Prepare:

• Plain white paper (bond paper or bigger)
• Smaller pieces of colored paper
• Markers, crayons, or pencils
• Scissors
• Glue or tape

As a family, encourage one another to reflect on your own actions over the past few weeks. On colored pieces of paper, write down any wrongdoings or sinful actions you may have committed. Children can ask their parents or guardians for help.

Afterward, cut the colored papers into shapes of your choice. Draw a big cross on a large piece of plain white paper. Place all the colored papers on the cross. This can be a time to acknowledge your actions and seek forgiveness.

The cross symbolizes God’s forgiveness towards us. When we commit sin and wrongdoings, they are against not just others but God. These have consequences, and the Bible tells us that the payment for sin is death. Jesus came to pay the price for our sins. He died so that we might be forgiven for our wrongdoings.

READ THE WORD

And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. Luke 23:33–34

Jesus selflessly endured the ultimate sacrifice by giving up His life on the cross to offer us forgiveness for our sins. He not only offers His forgiveness to those who seemingly deserve it but even those who crucified Him on the cross. He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” When we placed our sins on the cross in our activity earlier, we also acknowledged that He died for our sins, even though we don’t deserve it. In response to His sacrifice, we confess our sins and wrongdoings, surrender our lives to Him as our Lord and Savior, and embrace His forgiveness.

HUDDLE

Parents to Kids

2–6 years old

• What does it mean to sin or do wrong?
• How do you feel when someone does something wrong against you?

7–12 years old

• Why do we need forgiveness?
• Is there someone you need to forgive? Pray and ask God to give you the opportunity so you can extend forgiveness to that person.

Kids to Parents

• Why can Jesus forgive us?
• Will God forgive anything? Why or why not?

Forgiveness is at the heart of our salvation. Without it, we remain in our sins and will still be separated from God. But through Christ’s work on the cross, we have been forgiven and can also freely forgive those who have offended us. Is your heart open to forgive others? Are there people you need to forgive right now? Ask the Holy Spirit to give you the grace to forgive them.

PRAY

Dear God, thank You for Your sacrifice of sending Jesus on the cross to forgive me of my sins and give me a new life. Please help me show forgiveness to those who have wronged me. I want to always follow Your will and make the right choices. Lead my thoughts and emotions in everything I do. I love You. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen!

DISCOVER

The Greek word for “forgive” is aphesis. It is a combination of two words that translate to “a sending away” or “letting go.” Put together, forgiveness means “to put separation between a person and their guilt.”* In our case, through Jesus, God forgiving us means He put a separation between us and our guilt.

Just like what Paul mentions in Colossians 2:13–14, God’s forgiveness exempts us from going through the punishment of sin that we ought to have. In Jesus’ final moments on the cross, He prays, “Father forgive them . . .” (Luke 23:34). What an amazing God we have who offers forgiveness to those who ask in Jesus’ name! God does not remember our sins anymore when He forgives us. The forgiveness shown by Christ shows God’s endless love.