Preview: God is love. Forgiveness falls squarely in God’s message of love. This lesson was created to help us understand God’s level of compassion, forgiveness, and to teach us to follow in His wisdom.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 103:10-14.
Memory Verse: 1 John 1:9.
1. From reading the preceding verses, what should we understand of God’s compassion?
2. If we ask for forgiveness from the Father, does He truly forgive? If yes, what is the proof? And what does it mean? Psalm 103:8-12.
3. What should we learn from God’s examples? 1 John 1:9.
4. Can continued prayer for forgiveness help or hurt us? Why? James 5:15.
Note: We should strive to be perfect in the eyes of God, however, we are not perfect and so we need forgiveness. God is the way to eternal life, and through prayer and repentance for our imperfect selves, we are saved by Him.
5. How are our sins forgiven? Ephesians 1:7.
6. Who is the ultimate mediator for forgiveness? Hebrews 9:15.
7. Are we forgiven through thought alone? What else must be present? Luke 5:20.
8. How should we treat our fellow man? 1 John 1:7.
Note: God’s love and the compassion for all man should set the highest example of behavior for His followers. True believers should push aside pettiness and strife and make peace with anyone they feel adversity toward.
9. What is the best advise we are given when dealing with confrontation? Proverbs 15:1.
10. Why is it important for us to forgive? Colossians 3:12-13.
Note: Forgiveness is an important part of living a Godly life. This does not mean we should ignore iniquity or transgression; however, we should understand we are all sinners, and it is not up to us to place ultimate judgment. We should approach every opportunity with an understanding that we can have a positive influence in someone’s life by the way we approach the situation. Love conquers all.
11. How can we stand strong against those who oppose us? Discuss the impact. Matthew 5:44.
12. How often should we forgive those who trespass against us? Matthew 18:21-22.
Summary: God forgives us if we repent. Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sins, past and present. Forgiveness is the ability to loosen the weight around us, and to forgive others is a way to share this love with others. It might take a moment, it might take a lifetime, however, forgiveness is love. When you can release a grievance or grudge, you demonstrate the ability to love. God frees you from the burden of animosity and hatred, which aligns you with the path of righteousness.