BCIC Forgiveness

Forgiveness Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

“And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.”

EPHESIANS 4:32

JOSEPH’S UNEXPECTED RESPONSE TO HIS BROTHERS “And Joseph said unto them . . . . But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good . . . . Now therefore fear ye not: I will nourish you, and your little ones.

And he comforted them, and spake kindly unto them.”

GENESIS 50:19–21

SPIRITUAL GIFT:

BIBLICAL CHARACTER ILLUSTRATED CURRICULUM Illustrated in Scripture, Illustrated in Life

Prophet

CONTENTS

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Illustrated in Scripture “The testimony of the Lord is sure, making

2

wise the simple” (Psalm 19:7b). Biblical

Introduction

character is illustrated in this curriculum

2 How to Use This Curriculum

through both artwork and lessons from

3 Goals and Objectives

the lives of people in God’s Word. We most

4 Character Quality Overview

often benefit from the positive examples

5 Forgiveness in Scripture

of faithful men and women. “For whatso-

6 Lesson 1:

Clear the Record

7 Bible Story: The Unforgiving Servant 8 Memory Verse: Hebrews 12:15 9 Activity: A Drop in the Bucket!

10 Lesson 2: Respond Kindly to Those Who Hurt Me 11 Bible Story: Joseph’s Unexpected Response to His Brothers 12 Memory Verse: Ephesians 4:32 13 Activity: Intended for Good

14 Lesson 3:

Acknowledge My Sin

15 Bible Story: A Story Convicts a King 16 Memory Verse: I John 1:9 17 Activity: Crossword Puzzle

18 Lesson 4:

Ask for Forgiveness

19 Bible Story: The Prodigal Son Comes Home 20 Memory Verse: Proverbs 28:13

22

ever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope” (Romans 15:4). There were also people in the Bible who are representations of poor character, and we can learn from their lives as well. “Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted” (I Corinthians 10:6). We would be wise to learn from the testimonies God has given us in Scripture.

Illustrated in Life “Faith cometh by hearing, and hearing by the word of God” (Romans 10:17). Hearing the Word of God causes us to grow in faith.

This curriculum offers many practical applications of God’s Word to everyday life. “But be ye doers of the word, and not

21 Activity: Nothing Between

hearers only” (James 1:22). As God enables

Additional Resources

illustrate His character to others.

us to act in faith, our lives as believers will

22 Forgiveness GEMs 23 Journal and GEM

Mine

24 Hymn Sheet Music: “Arise, My Soul, Arise!”

25 H ymn History: “Arise, My Soul, Arise!”

by Charles Wesley 26 Explaining Salvation to a Child 27 Reproducible Coloring Pages 31 Recommended Resources

The character of God is illustrated in Scripture.

May it also be illustrated in our lives.

Character Quality Overview What Is Forgiveness?

Read aloud and discuss what forgiveness means and how it applies to life.

T

he operational definition of forgiveness is “clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me.” In a world filled with sin and conflict, offenses are inevitable.

One key God gives for unity is forgiveness. Forgiveness does not mean you ignore an offender’s sin or waive the consequences. However, it does mean that you make a deliberate decision to let go of any bitter or vengeful feelings toward the one who has wronged you. Whether or not he repents, you choose to forgive him, thereby clearing the record of his wrong against you. “Clearing the record” means you choose to forget his offense and love him as God enables you, despite the pain that he caused you.

The opposite of forgiveness is rejecWhen we acknowledge our sins against God, He promises: “though your sins tion. When people be as scarlet, they shall be as white as wrong you, your snow” (Isaiah 1:18). natural response is to retaliate or to hurt them in return. You want them to pay for what they did. You may lash out in angry words or actions. You may avoid them. Perhaps you say nothing, giving them the “silent treatment.”

You may tell others, hoping they will turn against your offenders, too. These responses are all forms of rejection, springing from an unforgiving heart. With those reactions, you are putting yourself in God’s place and acting as judge over your offenders, deciding

4

and carrying out their penalties! God wants you to trust Him as Judge. Instead of reacting, seek to meet the needs of the ones who hurt you. You cannot prevent wrongs, but you can know that when they happen, God will enable you to respond with forgiveness and not with revenge or rejection.

Think of God’s incredible forgiveness! Despite our continually sinning against Him, God mercifully sent His own Son to suffer and die, taking upon Himself the punishment for our sin. In Colossians 2:13–14, we read that He forgave When we do not forgive others, bitterness takes deep root in our all our trespasses, “blotting lives and eventually produces out the handwriting of evil fruit that will defile many. ordinances that was against (See Hebrews 12:14–15.) us . . . and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross.” God loved us and wanted a restored relationship with us! We did not ask for it. We did nothing to deserve it. As we realize the magnitude of our sin against God, we will better appreciate the greatness of His forgiveness toward us. Our gratefulness to Him will motivate us to forgive others and then extend His love to them. What better way to share the Good News than by modeling God’s mercy and forgiveness to those who have hurt us? “And all things are of God, who hath reconciled us to himself

by Jesus Christ, and hath given to us the ministry of reconciliation” (II Corinthians 5:18).

Forgiveness in Scripture

A

s you read and study God’s Word, you will see Who He is! Be willing to be changed by

Him so Christ can be seen through your life and others will glorify God.

FORGIVENESS KEY VERSE “And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” EPHESIANS 4:32

The Character of God

Forgiveness in My Life

We see examples of forgiveness in God’s character in the following ways:

Now let’s examine some ways God wants us to live out forgiveness daily.

•

God, Who is rich in mercy, stands ready to abundantly pardon all who forsake their sin and return to Him. (See Isaiah 55:7.)

•

God’s forgiveness is so great that when He forgives our sin, He also chooses not to remember our sin.

(See Jeremiah 31:34.)

•

God did not forsake the rebellious Israelites but continued to love them and fully meet their needs during their wandering in the desert.

•

(See Psalm 32:5.)

•

Jesus entreated His Father to forgive the very men who falsely accused, wrongly condemned, and viciously crucified Him. (See Matthew 26:59, Luke 23:20–23, 33–34.)

•

Jesus did not come to condemn sinners but to bring salvation and restoration to them.

(See John 3:17–18.)

•

Jesus Christ, our Mediator before God, gained access for us to be able to seek and know God’s forgiveness.

(See I Timothy 2:5.)

•

The Holy Spirit convicts believers of sin and the need for God’s forgiveness.

(See John 16:8.)

How can I respond kindly to those who speak harshly to me?

(See Proverbs 15:1.)

•

(See Nehemiah 9:16–21.)

•

Instead of hiding my sin from God, what should I do?

If I choose to repeatedly mention wrongs committed against me instead of overlooking them, what will happen?

(See Proverbs 17:9.)

•

How can I demonstrate forgiveness to my enemies?

(See Proverbs 25:21–22, II Corinthians 2:7.)

•

Have I experienced God’s forgiveness and justification in my own life?

(See Romans 3:24–25.)

•

Why should I fully forgive someone instead of harboring a grudge?

(See Colossians 3:13.)

•

How ought I respond to false accusations so that my actions are pleasing to God? (See I Peter 2:19–20.)

5

2

GOD ENABLES ME TO

Respond Kindly to Those Who Hurt Me

INTRODUCTION

H

as anyone ever hit you, and you wanted to hit him back? When a friend played unfairly, did you consider never playing with him again? These responses return evil for evil.

In Matthew 5:44, Jesus says to respond to evil by doing good to them and praying for those who have hurt you. God, not you, is responsible for bringing justice to the wrongdoer.

“Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves . . . Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. . . . Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good” (Romans 12:19, 21).

Sometimes the kind thing to do—not in vengeance, but for the sake of your offender and others—is to report the wrong to an authority. Whatever the offense, God will give the grace you need to overcome the temptation to retaliate and, instead, to respond kindly. (See Hebrews 4:16.)

Joseph’s Unexpected Response to His Brothers

FORGIVENESS Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me 10

BIBLE STORY

LESSON 2

Joseph’s Unexpected Response to His Brothers

T

hrough miraculous circumstances, the young Hebrew slave Joseph became ruler over all the

Respond Kindly to Those Who Hurt Me

supply of food was again depleted. They made a second journey to Egypt. This time, to test their repen-

land of Egypt, second only to Pharaoh. Joseph followed

tance, Joseph hid his silver cup in the youngest brother

God’s direction and wisely stored up grain before

Benjamin’s sack of grain. When the chalice was found,

the prophesied famine began. As the famine spread

an older brother pleaded to take Benjamin’s punish-

throughout the earth, a group of ten foreigners arrived

ment. Joseph, seeing their change of heart, could

and bowed down to Joseph, requesting to buy grain.

no longer hold back his tears. After ordering all the

Joseph recognized them immediately. These men

Egyptians to leave the room, Joseph wept aloud. What

were his older half-brothers! More than twenty years

would he say to his brothers? Would he seek revenge

earlier, they had thrown him into a pit and ruthlessly

and choose to have his offenders punished? Or would

sold him into slavery! Joseph decided to not reveal

he act kindly toward those who had hurt him?

his identity yet, and his brothers left Egypt with their

Let’s read the Bible story in Genesis 45:3–25, 50:15–21 and then discuss the following questions.

purchase of grain. The day came when the brothers’

1. After Joseph revealed his identity, how did his brothers respond and why? (See Genesis 45:3–5a.)

After someone has sinned, how may he feel? How should you respond to him? (See I Peter 3:8–9.)

2. What perspective did Joseph choose to have in his sufferings? How many times did Joseph say, “God sent . . . ”? How did this perspective help him to be kind? (See Genesis 45:5b–8.)

Why does God allow trials? (See Romans 8:28–29.)

How does realizing this truth change your attitude toward those who have wronged you?

3. What did Joseph tell his brothers to do? How would he provide for their physical needs for the remainder of the famine? (See Genesis 45:9–13.)

Who has wronged you? What needs do they have that you can meet? (See Romans 12:20–21.)

4. How did Joseph show that he had forgiven his brothers? Did his kind response cause them to be more open to communicate with him?

(See Genesis 45:14–15.)

How do grudges affect communication?

5. Who else was touched by the emotional reunion?

How did they respond? (See Genesis 45:16–21.)

When others observe you showing kindness to your offenders, what may they be encouraged to do?

6. What gifts did Joseph bestow upon his brothers?

(See Genesis 45:22–23.)

What can you give to a brother or sister who has been unkind to you? (See Proverbs 22:9.)

7. Seventeen years later, after their father Jacob died, why were Joseph’s brothers afraid? What message did they send to Joseph? (See Genesis 50:15–18.)

Is God’s forgiveness temporary or permanent?

To follow His example, should you bring things up again that have already been forgiven?

8. How did Joseph respond to his brothers’ request?

What did he commit to do? (See Genesis 50:19–21.)

What kind words could you speak to someone who has not been kind to you?

11

Operational Definitions of Character Qualities ALERTNESS vs. Unawareness

ATTENTIVENESS vs. Unconcern

AVAILABILITY vs. Self-Centeredness

BOLDNESS vs. Fearfulness

CAUTIOUSNESS vs. Rashness

COMPASSION vs. Indifference

CONTENTMENT vs. Covetousness

Being aware of that which is taking place around me so that I can have the right response to it

Showing the worth of a person by giving undivided concentration to his words and emotions

Making my own schedule and priorities secondary to the wishes of those I am serving

Confidence that what I have to say or do is true and right and just in the sight of God

Knowing how important right timing is in accomplishing right actions

Investing whatever is necessary to heal the hurts of others

Realizing that God has provided everything I need for my present happiness

Mark 14:38

Hebrews 2:1

Acts 4:29

Proverbs 19:2

S

M

Philippians 2:20–21

S

P

G

I John 3:17

M

I Timothy 6:8

G

CREATIVITY vs. Underachievement

DECISIVENESS vs. Double-mindedness

DEFERENCE vs. Rudeness

DEPENDABILITY vs. Inconsistency

DETERMINATION vs. Faintheartedness

DILIGENCE vs. Slothfulness

DISCERNMENT vs. Judgment

Approaching a need, a task, or an idea from a new perspective

The ability to finalize difficult decisions based on the will and ways of God

Limiting my freedom in order not to offend the tastes of those God has called me to serve

Fulfilling what I consented to do even if it means unexpected sacrifice

Purposing to accomplish God’s goals in God’s time regardless of the opposition

The God-given ability to understand why things happen

James 1:5

Romans 14:21

Visualizing each task as a special assignment from the Lord and using all my energies to accomplish it

Romans 12:2

E

O

M

Psalm 15:4

T

O

II Timothy 4:7–8

Colossians 3:23

T

I Samuel 16:7

E

DISCRETION vs. Simplemindedness

ENDURANCE vs. Giving Up

ENTHUSIASM vs. Apathy

FAITH vs. Unbelief

FLEXIBILITY vs. Resistance

FORGIVENESS vs. Rejection

GENEROSITY vs. Stinginess

The ability to avoid words, actions, and attitudes that could result in undesirable consequences

The inward strength to withstand stress to accomplish God’s best

Fervently expressing with my soul the joy of my spirit

Visualizing what God intends to do in a given situation and acting in harmony with it

Not setting my affections on ideas or plans that could be changed by God or others

Clearing the record of those who have wronged me and allowing God to love them through me

Realizing that all I have belongs to God and using it for His purposes

Hebrews 11:1

Colossians 3:2

Ephesians 4:32

E

Proverbs 22:3

Galatians 6:9

S

I Thessalonians 5:16, 19

E

E

S

P

II Corinthians 9:6

S

GENTLENESS vs. Harshness

GRATEFULNESS vs. Unthankfulness

HOSPITALITY vs. Loneliness

HUMILITY vs. Pride

INITIATIVE vs. Unresponsiveness

JOYFULNESS vs. Self-Pity

JUSTICE vs. Corruption

Showing personal care and concern in meeting the needs of others

Making known to God and others in what ways they have benefited my life

Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment with those God brings into my life

Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before I am asked to do it

Delighting in fellowship with the Lord regardless of my circumstances

Personal responsibility to uphold God’s unchanging laws

I Corinthians 4:7

Hebrews 13:2

Recognizing that without the help of God and others my achievements in life would not have been possible

Romans 12:21

Psalm 16:11

Micah 6:8

O

O

I Thessalonians 2:7

M

G

S

James 4:6

S

M

LOVE vs. Selfishness

LOYALTY vs. Unfaithfulness

MEEKNESS vs. Anger

OBEDIENCE vs. Willfulness

ORDERLINESS vs. Disorganization

PATIENCE vs. Restlessness

PERSUASIVENESS vs. Contentiousness

Giving to others’ basic needs without having as my motive personal reward

Using difficult times to demonstrate my commitment to God and to those He has called me to serve

Yielding my personal rights and expectations to God

Eagerly yielding to God’s Word rather than following my own will

Preparing myself and my surroundings so I will achieve the greatest efficiency

Guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks

Psalm 62:5

II Corinthians 10:5

I Corinthians 14:40

Accepting a difficult situation from God without giving Him a deadline to remove it

I Corinthians 13:3

E

O

John 15:13

M

P

O

Romans 5:3–4

T

II Timothy 2:24

P

PUNCTUALITY vs. Tardiness

RESOURCEFULNESS vs. Wastefulness

RESPONSIBILITY vs. Unreliability

REVERENCE vs. Disrespect

SECURITY vs. Anxiety

SELF-CONTROL vs. Self-Indulgence

SENSITIVITY vs. Callousness

Showing high esteem for other people and their time

Wise use of that which others would normally overlook or discard

Knowing and doing what both God and others are expecting from me

Luke 16:10

Romans 14:12

Structuring my life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away

Instant obedience to the initial promptings of God’s Spirit

Ecclesiastes 3:1

Awareness of how God is working through the people and events in my life to produce the character of Christ in me

Exercising my senses so I can perceive the true spirit and emotions of those around me

Proverbs 23:17–18

John 6:27

G

G

O

T

T

Galatians 5:24–25

T

M

Romans 12:15

SINCERITY vs. Hypocrisy

THOROUGHNESS vs. Incompleteness

THRIFTINESS vs. Extravagance

TOLERANCE vs. Prejudice

TRUTHFULNESS vs. Deception

VIRTUE vs. Impurity

WISDOM vs. Natural Inclinations

Eagerness to do what is right, with transparent motives

Knowing what factors will diminish the effectiveness of my work or words if neglected

Not letting myself or others spend that which is not necessary

Acceptance of others as unique expressions of specific character qualities in varying degrees of maturity

Earning future trust by accurately reporting past facts

The moral excellence and purity of spirit that radiate from my life as I obey God’s Word

Seeing and responding to life’s situations from God’s frame of reference

G Philippians 2:2

P

I Peter 1:22

P

T P— Prophet

Proverbs 18:15

S— Server

Luke 16:11

G T—Teacher

E— Exhorter

Ephesians 4:25

P G— Giver

II Peter 1:3–5

O— Organizer

E

Proverbs 9:10

M— Mercy

Revealing the character of Christ through the stories in His Word.

SAVE 20% on any individual Biblical Character Illustrated booklets

Use coupon: BCICBOOKLET

Biblical Character Illustrated Curriculum Discover this unique tool that uses the stories in Scripture to illuminate character qualities God wants to develop in the lives of His people. This curriculum contains multiple ways to teach character to kids and give them a vision for building character through faith in Christ!

Single Booklets: $10 each Complete Set: $379 (SAVE 23%)

Single PDF Download: $3 each PDF Download Set: $109 (SAVE 25%)

OTHER BIBLICAL CHARACTER RESOURCES

Biblical Character Illustrated 49-Booklet Set

Power for True Success

Hymns for the Family, Volumes 1–4

Character Sketches, 4-Volume Set

Includes 2 bonus items: Calendar + Understanding Spiritual Gifts

Insightful, Biblical studies on all 49 character qualities

Companion hymns for each character quality

Timeless resources to show God’s character relfected in creation

Shop these resources at store.iblp.org. • Questions? Call 903-636-9600 or email biblicalcharacter@iblp.org.