Family Fun Icebreaker: What is forgiveness to you?
Topic 2 Question: Who is in God’s Community?
Today’s Big Idea: The Forgiven Son
God’s community is full of forgiven people. There is much celebration in heaven as each person is forgiven and joins the family. A common connection within God’s community is that everyone knows they have sinned against God and asked for His forgiveness. Spend time reading Luke 15:11-24. This is the passage often called “the Prodigal’s Son.” This is a story of a broken family relationship and family forgiveness. A father had two children: an obedient son and a disobedient son. One son told his dad that he didn’t want to be a part of his family any more. He wanted his dad’s money so he could leave and go live his own life. He would possibly never see any of them again, which hurt his dad and family. His father gave him the money without a struggle, and the son left. When he had spent all of his money, he returned to his dad not knowing how his dad would respond. The son apologized and asked for forgiveness. The dad quickly forgave, rejoiced with a happy heart, welcomed his lost son home, and threw a big party!
Talk with God: Read the scriptures aloud.
Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight; I am no
longer worthy to be called your son. Luke 15:21 (NISB)
(The father is speaking) But we had to celebrate and rejoice, for
this brother of yours was dead and has begun to live, and was lost
and has been found. Luke 15:32 (NISB)
Walk with God: Read aloud and discuss.
All people have tried to live life their own way and wandered away from God, at some point; every person has lived a sinful lifestyle; and their relationship with God has been broken. But every true Christian realizes his or her need for God and humbly apologies to God and is forgiven.
Forgiveness is giving up the right to punish. When God forgives you, He gives up His right to punish you. According to the Bible, God’s form of punishment is death, or separation, from Him. This forgiveness heals you, makes you right with God, and allows you to be part of God’s world. Therefore, your relationship with God is healed. God welcomes you to share in His goodness while you live on earth and later in heaven. Jesus says there is much joy in heaven over one person who repents (Luke15:7). When you repent, you are making a choice to make a change in your lifestyle to live a godly life instead of a self-centered life and heaven celebrates you! Once forgiven and thankful, it is easier to forgive others. With God’s help, you will be able to forgive yourself and others. Healing your relationship with God leads to more and more healing.
Discuss with your family: Is your relationship with God broken? Do you want your relationship with God to be healed? What do you need to do to heal your relationship? If your relationship has been healed, how has this healed relationship with God been helpful to you?
Prayer suggestion: Pray for God to heal your relationship with Him.
I will be praying for you!
Stacy
Stacy A. Davis, Author
Sky Ranch Family Devotionals
© 2013 Stacy A. Davis, Inc. All rights reserved.
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