Forgiveness

Session 1: Red Sea Moments--: This week our students need to know that we and, especially, God cares for them. The truth is, they need to know that no matter what they've done or what they've been through, God is there for them. He doesn't always act in the ways they want Him to or in the ways they expect Him to, but God is certainly there for them, acting on their behalf.

Session 2: 4giveness-- None of us will make it very far in life without the scars of sin in our life. Some of those scars are self-inflicted wounds; other are from people we care about. Some wounds come from hurtful words or actions; others are from selfish choices. Regardless of how the pain was inflicted and type of pain it was-physical, emotional, relational, financial, or psychological-the choice to forgive or not to forgive is ours. God calls us to seek justice and forgiveness in Christ, who is the living example of forgiveness.

Session 3: Forgive and Forget-- In life, we will all eventually be hurt by someone. How we respond to that hurt can affect the rest of our lives. If we choose to harbor a grudge, we'll never move on; we'll be stuck where we are with no room to grow. If we choose to forgive and not hold the offense against the offender, we'll grow into a Christ-like example of living grace worth following. The choice to forgive each other and release the offender from their deserved punishment is ours. In forgiveness, we find freedom.

Session 4: The Heart of Forgiveness-- True forgiveness comes when one who has been hurt or offended has thoughtfully come to a place of pardon in their heart. Forgiveness is not just for the benefit of the offender, but is also a conduit of freedom for the victim-forgiver. With the help of the Holy Spirit, we are able to get past all of the suffering caused by someone else, knowingly or not. When we realize that we are forgiven and then we subsequently offer forgiveness, we are truly living like Christ. Topics: Forget, Forgive, God's Care, Pain, Scars, Sin, Sins