Forgiveness

Christ on the Cross

As we get closer to easter we are reminded of Christ on the Cross. For the crucifixion is the pathway to his resurrection.

Q: When we picture Christ on the cross what words come to your head?

Christ Forgiveness

 Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 by a new and living way which He consecrated for us, through the veil, that is, His flesh, 21 and having a High Priest over the house of God, 22 let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.

The New King James Version (Nashville: Thomas Nelson, 1982), Heb 10:19–22.

Reaction to being hurt

What tends to happen when players over react during games?

When we experience pain and disappointment from those close to us, we need to be careful how we handle the situation. A revengeful response to an offender can sometimes get us into trouble.

Josephs Dream

Genesis 37:5–9 NKJV

Now Joseph had a dream, and he told it to his brothers; and they hated him even more. So he said to them, “Please hear this dream which I have dreamed: There we were, binding sheaves in the field. Then behold, my sheaf arose and also stood upright; and indeed your sheaves stood all around and bowed down to my sheaf.” And his brothers said to him, “Shall you indeed reign over us? Or shall you indeed have dominion over us?” So they hated him even more for his dreams and for his words. Then he dreamed still another dream and told it to his brothers, and said, “Look, I have dreamed another dream. And this time, the sun, the moon, and the eleven stars bowed down to me.”

Nelson’s Annual Youth Ministry Sourcebook, 2008 Edition April 13, 2008: Forgiveness and Faithfulness

Often God’s plan begins to become a vision of future reality when we are teenagers. This was the case for Joseph. Remember he is about seventeen when he has dreams of his family bowing down to him. (Talk about a dream!)

Josephs assurance to his brothers

Genesis 50:15–21 NKJV

When Joseph’s brothers saw that their father was dead, they said, “Perhaps Joseph will hate us, and may actually repay us for all the evil which we did to him.” So they sent messengers to Joseph, saying, “Before your father died he commanded, saying, ‘Thus you shall say to Joseph: “I beg you, please forgive the trespass of your brothers and their sin; for they did evil to you.” ’ Now, please, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of your father.” And Joseph wept when they spoke to him. Then his brothers also went and fell down before his face, and they said, “Behold, we are your servants.”

Nelson’s Annual Youth Ministry Sourcebook, 2008 Edition April 13, 2008: Forgiveness and Faithfulness

Through Joseph’s story we get a glimpse of the effect forgiveness has on one who truly forgives. Joseph’s brothers are worried that after the funeral of their father, Joseph will drastically change and so will the “peace” they have known with one who has the power to get even.

Joseph truly has forgiven his brothers

Genesis 50:19–21 NKJV

Joseph said to them, “Do not be afraid, for am I in the place of God? But as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive. Now therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones.” And he comforted them and spoke kindly to them.

Pain brings self-centeredness

Nelson’s Annual Youth Ministry Sourcebook, 2008 Edition April 13, 2008: Forgiveness and Faithfulness

Being wronged brings pain and pain generally brings self-centeredness. Slowly, the hurt begins to consume your thoughts as you look for ways to “protect” your heart throughout the days and weeks, months and years that follow. Joseph would never have been effective if he had not forgiven his brothers. Forgiving them allowed him to see God’s presence and plans. Moving past his circumstances and the effects of his brothers’ evil led to a new life for Joseph and thousands of people. Forgiveness brings life. Just think about the Cross!

What is forgiveness? what is an apology?

Nelson’s Annual Youth Ministry Sourcebook, 2008 Edition April 16, 2008 Midweek: Forgiveness and Faithfulness

What is forgiveness? What is an apology? Allow students to define these terms as best they can.

forgiveness is of the heart, not of the mind lead by emotion.