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.

Adult Leader's Guide
This leader’s guide uses the Adult Reflection Guide to lead a small group study on the practice. This guide contains a summary of the practice and the four (or six) sessions, background information on the Bible study for the session, and any preparation the leader may need to do ahead of the session. There are different options of activities and discussions to choose from throughout the session. Participants are asked to read through the Adult Reflection Guide, if possible, before each session. There are other great resources for adults in the Congregational Guide.

Featured in the Adult Leader’s Guide:

• Name Sin (Luke 15:11–32)
• Receive Forgiveness (Psalms 32; 51; Luke 15:20–24)
• Forgive Others (Matthew 18:21–35; Luke 15:25–32)
• Build a Bridge (Genesis 50:15–21; Luke 15:25–32)

In addition to the material in the Adult Leader’s Guide and the Adult Reflection Guide, there are also free videos that leaders can use as conversation starters for the unit and each session. Visit our YouTube Channel, bit.ly/FMYouTubeGFR, to see the playlist for this unit.

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.