RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL STUDENT’S MANUAL 20 OCTOBER 2024

LESSON EIGHT (8)
TOPIC: THE POWER OF FORGIVENESS

SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
1. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth.

2. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friendship suits me well,
Both young and old will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School.

3. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee.

4. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee

5. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School.

6. O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?

BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 50:17-20.
[17]So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
[18]And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
[19]And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
[20]But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.

MEMORY VERSE: “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man has a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13.

INTRODUCTION: Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to put aside feelings of resentment, anger, and revenge toward someone who has committed a wrong, been unfair, or otherwise hurt you. But some people find it hard to forgive those who have offended them. Some believers even say it is when they get to Heaven before they can forgive. However, the Bible makes it clear that those who refuse to forgive men, will not be forgiven by God too (Matthew 6:14-15). Therefore, we need to understand why believers must practice forgiveness and learn how to achieve it.

OUTLINES:
1. REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
2. ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS

1. REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
One of the fundamental obligations of a Christian is to follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14-15). As Christians, we should not only forgive but we should heal (Genesis 45:1-15; 50:15-21). The major reasons we are to forgive are:
1. It is a command (Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32).
2. We are the light of the world. We are a living example that others follow and watch consistently (Matthew 5:14; Matthew 5:16).
3. God is angry with us when we refuse to forgive (Matthew 18:32-35).
4. Lack of forgiveness hinders prayers (Mark 11:25).
5. We need to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).

CLASS ACTIVITY 1: Have you forgiven lately? Share with the class how you felt after the act.

2. ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS
Forgiveness can help prevent depression, anxiety, high blood pressure, and hostility (Romans 12:18). It boosts self-esteem and brings peace of mind (Psalm 32:1-5; Hebrews 12:15b). To forgive, we can adopt the programme known as the REACH model. REACH stands for Recall, Empathise, Altruistic Gift, Commit, and Hold.
Recall: To achieve forgiveness, be objective in understanding clearly the wrong done. It is not to wallow in self-pity or to hold a grudge against the offender (Genesis 45:4).
Empathise: Being objective will also help to see from the offender’s point of view, why he or she did what was done. But without downplaying the wrong that was done (Genesis 37:8, 19-21; 50:20a).
Altruistic gift: At this stage, the offended can remember his shortcomings and how he was forgiven. He then realizes that forgiveness is a gift we all need at one point or the other (Colossians 3:13).
Commit: To commit is to make public (share) one’s decision to forgive with an accountability partner who can put a check on you. Apostle Paul wrote publicly about his commitment to have a clear conscience at all times (Acts 24:16).
Hold: At the final stage of this model, the offended must be determined to see to it that his decision to forgive is realised. This is tough because memories of the event will often reoccur. When the feeling of hurt arises, remind yourself that you have forgiven and ultimately, you want the good of the offender (Genesis 50:17-20).

CLASS ACTIVITY 2: Have you had any hurting experience from a close person such that you thought you could not forgive let alone forget but you eventually did? How did you do it?

CONCLUSION
True forgiveness may not come cheap, but its benefits outweigh the pain. Learn to forgive.

QUESTIONS
* Why should Christians forgive?
* Mention four steps to achieving forgiveness?

ASSIGNMENT: Prayerfully follow the practical lessons on forgiveness and let go of anyone who has hurt you. (No Mark).