Forgive
We forgive because God first forgives us. When we forgive one another, we participate in God’s way of being in the world. At its root, the word forgiveness draws on a Greek word meaning “to let go.” When we forgive one another, we let go of anger over wrong; we let go of a desire for getting even; we let go of the burdens of shame and guilt. To forgive is not to forget; it is an active decision to not live in the past and to build toward a future. Forgiveness does not deny the realities of sin: betrayal, violence, anger, jealousy. It ensures that wrongs do not have the last word. The final word in forgiveness is God’s grace, available to those who seek to forgive and to move beyond separation and brokenness toward restored relationship with God and one another.

Young Children Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide is for children ages 3–5. It contains helpful information for the leader, including information about young children, background information about the practice, a note about supplies, and other helpful information for each session. There are symbols for each activity within the session that allow a leader to see at a glance the type of activity and customize each session for their group of children. Each session includes resource pages and “Practicing the Practice at Home,” which may be copied, printed, or sent out electronically to participants. There are other helpful pieces for young children in the Congregational Guide.

Featured in the Young Children Leader’s Guide:

• Recognize Wrongs (Luke 15:11–24)
• Receive Forgiveness (Luke 15:11–24)
• Forgive Others (Luke 15:11–32)
• Build a Bridge (Luke 15:11–32)

Series Description
Follow Me: Biblical Practices for Faithful Living is a twenty-seven-unit curriculum based on practices Jesus did and taught us to do as faithful followers. Written for people of all ages who wish to live out their faith, this new curriculum examines where these practices are found in the Bible and how they have been used in Christian faith then and now.

To learn more about the curriculum and view a sample of each component, visit our Follow Me webpage. Watch our trailer on our YouTube channel.