RCCG JUNIOR ZEAL FOR AGE 13-15 MANUAL 2 MARCH 2024

LESSON TWENTY SEVEN (27)
TOPIC: FORGIVENESS
BIBLE TEXT: Matthew 6:14-15
[14]For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you:
[15]But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.

Matthew 18:21-35
[21]Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?
[22]Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.
[23]Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.
[24]And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.
[25]But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.
[26]The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
[27]Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.
[28]But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.
[29]And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.
[30]And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.
[31]So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.
[32]Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:
[33]Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?
[34]And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.
[35]So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.
MEMORY VERSE: “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: but if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” – Matthew 6:14-15
CENTRAL TRUTH: What is the golden rule?
INTRODUCTION: Regardless of whether the other person or group truly deserves your forgiveness, forgiveness is the deliberate, conscious choice to let go of anger or sentiments of revenge towards them. God’s decision to erase our sins, even though He understands we are undeserving of His pardon, is an excellent example. Forgiveness is one of the spiritual blessings we enjoy as children of God.
It pleases God to show mercy to us despite our unfaithfulness. God expects that we respond by forgiving people who offend us. Just as God forgives us when we sin, He withholds punishment that we deserve and shows us mercy. When we think of the goodness of God and all He has done for us, we should not find it difficult to forgive others and show them mercy.
STUDY GUIDE
A. WHAT CAN WE LEARN FROM OUR TEXT?
1. —————————————
2. —————————————
3. —————————————
4. —————————————
B. WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY ABOUT FORGIVENESS IN THE FOLLOWING VERSES?
1. 1 John 1:9 ……………………………………….
2. Matthew 6:14-15 ………………………………….
3. Luke 17:3-4 ……………………………………….
C. WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHEN YOU FORGIVE PEOPLE? WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS WHEN YOU ARE FORGIVEN?
a. Removes pain and grudge from your heart.
b. Helps us have healthier and better relationships with God and man.
e. The power others have over us is destroyed and we are able to take hold of ourselves.
d. Improves mental health, less anxiety, stress and hostility Improves self-esteem.
•Teenagers to add more.
DISCUSS: In the context of our topic today, how can you apply the golden rule to your relationship with people? Discuss practical steps you can take to forgive someone.
CONCLUSION: Think about this, when you offend someone, and you know and are convinced that you were wrong, how you will feel if the person tells you, you are forgiven. Ability to forgive one another is a characteristic of a Christian. When we forgive each other, God will forgive us.
INDIVIDUAL REFLECTION
What is God saying in today’s lesson?
………………………………………………………..
How can I apply this to my life?
………………………………………………………..
My prayer today is:
…………………………………………………………