RCCG SUNDAY SCHOOL MANUAL
LESSON 18
Sunday 1st January 2017
*TOPIC:- FORGIVING ONE ANOTHER
*MEMORY 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
BIBLE PASSAGE: Colossianks 3:12-13
INTRODUCTION:
To forgive means to pardon, to wave any negative feeling or desire for punishment (Matthew 18:25-27). In other words, forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which the offended undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offence, let go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, bitterness, malice, etc, with an increased ability to wish the offender well (Matthew 5:44, Luke 17:3).
LESSON OUTLINES
1. Why should we forgive one another?
2. Evidence of forgiveness
WHY SHOULD WE FORGIVE ONE ANOTHER?
In our dealings as humans, there is tendency to step on one another’s toes, but we must learn to forgive one another even as God forgives us (Mark 11:25-26). The reasons why we should forgive one another include the fact that:
1. Forgiveness is a command from God (Luke 17:3-4; Col. 3:13).
2. It is a condition for answered prayers by God (James 5:16; Matthew 5:24-25).
3. It is the one who forgives that God i (Romans 12:9).
4. It helps to gain our brethren (Matthew 18:15).
5. Unforgiveness leads to bitterness and in turn results in ill health (Prov. 17:22).
6. Unforgiveness opens the door to demonic attack (Eccles 10:8; 1Samuel 18:8-11).
7. Forgiving one another is a condition for us to make Heaven (Hebrews 12:14).
EVIDENCES OF FORGIVENESS
The man who forgives from the heart will not seek revenge (Romans 12:19; Genesis 45:4-5).
He will always seek peace (Romans 12:18).
Such individual will show love and will be willing to pray for the offender (Romans 12:20; Acts 7:59-60; Matthew 5:44).
He does not keep record of wrongdoing (Hebrews 8:12; Jeremiah 31:34).
CONCLUSION: What a beautiful place the world would be if we all forgive ourselves of offences. As beloved children of God. We should show good examples especially as our God has commanded us (Titus 2:7a; 1Timothy 4:12).
QUESTIONS
1. Why should we forgive one another?
2. What are the evidences of forgiveness