Mission Briefing
The Power of Forgiveness
Has someone ever hurt your feelings or done something that made you really upset? Jesus has something important to say about what to do next – and it might surprise you! This mission explores Matthew 6:14-15.
What Does Matthew 6:14-15 Mean?
Jesus is teaching us that forgiving others is a really big deal. When we choose to forgive someone who has wronged us, we are following God’s example – because He forgives us too! This verse does not mean forgiveness is easy, but it shows us that God takes our forgiveness of others seriously, just as He takes His forgiveness of us seriously.
Hero Challenge
Think of someone who has hurt you or made you angry. This week, pray for that person every day, and ask God to help your heart let go of any bitterness. You do not have to feel it right away – just take that first step of being willing to forgive.
Did You Know?
Matthew 6:14-15 comes right after Jesus teaches the Lord’s Prayer, where He says “forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” Forgiveness is one of the most important themes in Jesus’s teaching, and He repeated it in different ways so we would not miss it.
Ages 4-6: Little Hero Question
Have you ever forgiven a friend who said sorry? How did it feel afterward?
Ages 7-9: Growing Hero Question
Why do you think God connects His forgiveness of us to our forgiveness of others? What does that tell us about how important forgiveness is?
Ages 10-13: Champion Question
Forgiveness does not always mean pretending something did not happen. How can you truly forgive someone in your heart while still having healthy boundaries?
♥ Mission Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for forgiving me every time I mess up. Please give me a heart that is willing to forgive others, even when it is really hard. Help me to show the same grace to people that You always show to me. Amen.
