CHRIST TEACHES ON
FORGIVENESS
MEMORY VERSE: “So likewise
shall my heavenly Father do
also unto you, if ye from your
hearts forgive not everyone his
brother their trespasses”
(Matthew 18:35).
TEXT: Matthew 18:1-35
INTRODUCTION
Jesus taught that forgiveness is central to the relationship
between God and His creatures and also between
individuals.
First, Jesus died on the cross to pay the price for our sins
so that we can be forgiven.
We are therefore encouraged by scriptures to forgive
others by following the Lord’s example as He forgives us.
Jesus being hung on the cross and still forgiving those
who crucified Him is an example for us to follow.
If Jesus could forgive those who hurt Him so deeply then,
we also can receive grace to forgive those who stepped
on our toes or offend us on the playground?
We must continue to forgive others till Jesus comes
INTRODUCTION CONT’D.
We will have to forgive minor or major offences
from strangers as well as those close to us.
When you learn to forgive at a very young age,
you will grow to maintain a healthy relationship
with others.
Ability or grace to forgive offences is a godly
character.
For a child to be able to willingly forgive those
who hurt him, he must first accept God's
forgiveness.
He must therefore repent and ask for
forgiveness and cleansing of his sins.
If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to
forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. (1 John 1:9).
Points To Consider
1 2 3
CONSEQUENCES
JESUS TEACHES
GOD FORGIVES OF FAILING TO
US TO FORGIVE
FORGIVE OTHERS
1. GOD FORGIVES: Matthew 18:15-20; 6:12-14; 5:38-39
God is ever willing to forgive sinners. It is not His wish that
anyone should perish.
He wants everyone to turn to Him for salvation so that they
will not die in their sins.
Sinners deserve to die but God in His love and mercy made
provision for man to receive pardon for sin by sending His
only begotten Son who came into the world to seek and save
the lost.
Forgiveness is a part of the whole plan of salvation provided
for those who believe in Christ.
When a sinner is forgiven, the guilt of sin is taken away and
replaced by justification and the sinner is declared righteous.
However, we must know that God's forgiveness is conditional.
1. GOD FORGIVES CONT’D.
It is not automatic for a sinner to be saved. There are certain
things he must do.
Therefore, if you are still a sinner, you have to take these steps:
i. Humble yourself before God and accept that you are a sinner.
ii. Confess all your sins to God.
iii. Pray for forgiveness and cleansing of your sins with the blood
of Jesus.
iv. Ask Jesus to come into your heart and be your Saviour, Lord
and Master.
As a child, if you humble yourself, trust God and wholeheartedly
take these steps, He will forgive all your sins.
You will then receive grace to go and sin no more and also forgive
those who offend you.
Remember, that the greatest in God's kingdom are those who
are genuinely converted.
2. JESUS TEACHES US TO FORGIVE:
Matt. 18:15-20; 6:12-14; 5:38-39
Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness is based on certain
principles:
That God has forgiven all our sins we also must
forgive others.
Forgiveness is not just for once, it should be a
continuous act. Therefore, He said ‘until seventy
times seven’ - we are to forgive as many times as
we are offended.
We must therefore employ every means
available to us to maintain peace with others. If
anyone hurts you, instead of taking revenge, tell
him his offence. If he fails to listen or make
peace, tell other believers or your teachers.
Make efforts to settle misunderstandings
between you and those who offend you
2. JESUS TEACHES US TO
FORGIVE CONT’D.
2. JESUS TEACHES US TO FORGIVE CONT’D.
Friends of Jesus must learn to forgive one another.
Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him to
strangers because they were envious.
David forgave king Saul who wanted to kill him, and
Stephen forgave those who stoned him to death by
praying for them.
There is no offence that is too big to be forgiven.
Forgive those who abuse and hurt you, so you will
also receive forgiveness from Christ.
When you pray as a team or an individual, God will
answer your prayers.
Forgiveness helps to mend broken relationship and
brings people closer together. Therefore, you must
forgive.
3. CONSEQUENCES OF FAILING TO FORGIVE OTHERS:
Matthew 18:21-35; 6:15; Mark 11:25-26; James 2:13
Jesus emphasizes that Christians must be ready and
willing to forgive the offence of others.
There are great consequences for those who keep
offences and refuse to forgive those who hurt them.
Jesus illustrated this with the parable of the
unforgiving servant.
He owed his master much more than he could pay. But
his master had compassion on him.
Notwithstanding this act of mercy that he received
from his master; he punished a fellow servant who
could not pay the little that he owed.
He was forgiven much, yet he could not forgive the
little that his fellow servant owed him.
This was a wicked act on his part! He was therefore
given the punishment he deserved.
If we are unwilling to forgive those who do us wrong,
3. CONSEQUENCES God will not forgive us our offences.
Unforgiveness can also bring
OF FAILING TO
bitterness and separation amongst friends,
FORGIVE OTHERS unanswered prayer,
CONT’D. emotional trouble and loss of fellowship with
God.
Anyone who dies with unforgiving spirit will not be
accepted in God's kingdom.
To avoid these consequences, you must learn to forgive
and follow peace with all men. (Hebrews 12:14).
QUESTIONS:
1. How did God make provision for sinners to be
saved?
2. What steps should a sinner take to receive
forgiveness?
3. Christ's principles of forgiveness is based on
________ ________ and _________
4. What are the consequences of failing to forgive
others?
LESSON, THOUGHT,
AND ACTIVITY
LESSON: God always forgives those who repent
and turn to Him.
THOUGHT: I will forgive those who do wrong to
me.
ACTIVITY: True reconciliation - Children should
think of someone who has hurt them at one time or
the other. Then write a letter titled “I forgive you”
to the person. Show it to the teachers for correction
before sending it to the recipient.
CHORUSES & HOMEWORK
CHORUSES:
(i) Jesus loves me He died for me
(ii) Jesus’ love is very wonderful
(iii)We are heirs of the Father.
HOMEWORK:
Write out in your notebook, two people
in the New Testament who received
forgiveness from Christ.
