GROW IN FAITH 10 – Forgiveness

Letting Go and Beginning Again

Opening Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You forgive us again and again.
Teach us how to forgive others.
Help us let go of what hurts
and live in peace.
Amen.

Part One

We All Need Forgiveness

Everyone makes mistakes.

We say things we regret.
We act selfishly.
We hurt others without thinking.

And sometimes,
others hurt us.

Jesus teaches us to pray:

“Forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive them that trespass against us.”

Forgiveness is not optional in the Christian life.

We ask for mercy.
We must also give it.

Scripture

“Forgive us our trespasses,
as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
(Matthew 6:12)

Think and Discuss

Why is it sometimes hard to forgive?

What happens if we hold onto a hurt for a long time?

How does it feel when someone forgives you?

Does forgiving mean pretending nothing happened?

Listen carefully and allow honest answers.

Part Two

What Forgiveness Is — and Is Not

Forgiveness does not mean saying
that what happened was good.

It does not mean
we must feel happy immediately.

Forgiveness means
choosing not to hold anger
or seek revenge.

It means placing justice in God’s hands.

When we refuse to forgive,
we carry the weight inside us.

Bitterness grows.
Peace disappears.

Forgiveness frees the heart.

God forgives us again and again.

He never grows tired of mercy.

When we forgive,
we become more like Him.

Guidance for Adults

Do not force quick emotional resolution.
Forgiveness can begin as a decision before it becomes a feeling.
Model apologies and reconciliation in daily life.

Part Three

Beginning Again

Forgiveness works in two directions.

We forgive others.

And we accept God’s forgiveness for ourselves.

Sometimes it is harder
to forgive ourselves
than to forgive someone else.

But when we repent,
God truly forgives.

We are not meant to stay trapped in guilt.

Confession is a gift.

It allows us to begin again.

Every act of forgiveness
— given or received —
makes the heart lighter.

Quiet Reflection

Sit quietly for a moment.

Think of someone who has hurt you.

Now say quietly:

“Lord, help me forgive.”

Then think of a mistake you regret.

Say:

“Lord, have mercy.”

Remain in silence together.

Practise This Week

Choose one:

• Say “I forgive you” when someone apologises.
• Apologise quickly when you are wrong.
• Pray for someone who has hurt you.
• Go to Confession if you are able.

Choose one and keep it steady.

Optional Response

Choose one:

Memory
Repeat slowly:
“Forgive us… as we forgive.”
Say it three times thoughtfully.

Action
Hold a small stone in your hand.
Think of a hurt you carry.
Then place the stone down.
Say: “I let this go.”

Closing Prayer

Lord Jesus,
You are rich in mercy.
Teach us to forgive as You forgive.
Free our hearts from bitterness.
Help us begin again with peace.
Amen.