Forgiving Challenge Kids: The 11-Day Forgiveness AdventureSample

How Do We 'Fess Up?

Scientists say that animals have a "flight or fight" reaction when they don't feel safe. Some animals like the rattlesnake or the bearded dragon can change their bodies when they are ready to fight to look scary or mean. Other animals can camouflage themselves or hide to escape. Can you think of other animals who "fight or flight?"

Humans do the same thing. Sometimes when we find ourselves in a tough spot, we either 'flight' or 'fight.' Flight says, "Get me outta here any way possible." The other reaction people can have is to fight. You may be abrasive, obstinate, and argumentative. You may devour knowledge only to be able to put others down when push comes to shove. This reaction focuses on the other and puts them in their place.

Remember Peter? We read about how he denied Jesus three times on Day 3. Finally, after denying Jesus, he chose "flight." He abandoned the call to follow Jesus as a disciple and instead went back to fishing. But, rather than leaving Peter alone, Jesus visited him on the shore to begin a conversation that would lead to forgiveness. Thank God that even when we sin and run from God, He continues to love us, welcome us, and forgive us.

Even when we run away, Jesus doesn't. He purposefully gets close to sinners. He's not "in your face" either. While the words we say in our confession are essential (and we'll show you a few steps in just a moment), the most important part about our confession to God is the fact that God is kind. God has already positioned Himself to hear your words before you even said them at all!

Jesus is a peacemaker. He looks at the relationship and tries to fix what is broken. He doesn't want people's lives ruined by dissension. Instead, He brings peace and unity to cover all our sins.

Romans 6:23: For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

One way to make peace is to 'Fess Up and apologize. An apology has three steps:

1) OWN IT: Own it by admitting what you did. Try to only talk about your actions, don't even mention what the other person did.

2) SHOW IT: Show you are sorry with your face, body, voice, and words. Our bodies can tell others how we feel in our hearts.

3) ASK IT: Ask what you can do to make it right. Sometimes, you can do nothing but do your best to offer to make things right. Not because you owe them, but because you want to fix the friendship.

Challenge: Which of the three steps of an apology do you think is the hardest? Why? Spend some time 'Fessing Up to God about some of your own hurts. You can journal, spend some quiet time praying to God or talk to a friend or guardian.