Before class, print out enough of the Jesus Forgives graphic so that each of your students has a copy (3 per page found on this template). Cut the graphics apart and place the individual graphic in a sealed envelope. If time permits, personalize each envelope by writing the name of a student on each one (be sure to make extra without a name in case visitors attend).
As students join your group time, hand each person a small empty paper bag. Have them use the markers to write their name on the front of the bag.
Have pencils or pens and slips of paper on a desk in a common area. Give students a few minutes to write down things they find difficult to forgive themselves for (each on a separate slip). Explain that these are personal and won’t be seen by anyone. These can be attitudes they feel ashamed of having, things they have done that made them feel disappointed with themselves, or moments they wish they could take back, etc. Have students fold their slips of paper in half when they are finished writing and put all of the slips they wrote about themselves into the paper bag with their name on it.
Regroup and form a large circle. Have each student hold his or her paper bag open with their name facing out. Hand each student an index card and make sure they have a pencil or pen. Ask each student to write “I forgive you” on an index card. When they are done, direct them to place the index card into the paper bag of the person on their right. Now hand out the personalized envelopes to each student and have them put them in their bags unopened. Have each student secure the top of their paper bag and save it for Step 4.
Watch the following video and think about forgiveness.
Share the following video with your students [1:58]:
Man Forgives the Person Who Killed His Father.
Ask:
- Why would it be hard to forgive someone who murdered a loved one? (Answers will vary. There would be a great deal of bitterness and resentment at first.)
- Do you think it is in our nature to forgive others when they do something to hurt us? Explain your answer. (Students will probably acknowledge that forgiveness isn’t something that comes naturally.)
- As wonderful as it was for this son to forgive the one who murdered his father, do you think his forgiveness made the murderer right with God? Explain your answer. (Allow students to voice opinions without comment. This will give you an idea of where they stand spiritually so that you can address it later in the lesson.)
Philip Robinson forgave Ron Hammer for killing his father. That act of confession and forgiveness freed both men from the bondage of unforgiveness. But was it enough? Let’s see what God’s Word says.
