Forgiveness In Faith
vs. bitterness
Releasing feelings of resentment
To practice Forgiveness, I will: 
- be quick to forgive
- apologize and ask for forgiveness
- let go of hurts
- not seek revenge
- respond kindly to those who hurt me
Why Forgive?
By Rev. Dr. Roger Braun, Retired Methodist Minister, guest columnist
In every life, there comes a time when someone we know hurts us. Sometimes that person hurts us so bad that we say to ourselves, “I can never forgive them.” However, a main value that is crucial to a healthy life is the character of forgiveness. In the Bible, we are commanded to forgive others no matter who they are or how badly they hurt us. Still, people will ask the question, “Why should I forgive them?”
In the New Testament, Jesus is said to have told a story about a rich farmer who had two sons. One son stayed on the farm with the father while the other son took his inheritance, left the farm, and wasted his money. When the money ran out, the son went back to his father to beg the father’s forgiveness. Would the father forgive his son? He did! Because the father, by forgiving, gained back his son, and that was all the father wanted.
People think that forgiving the one who hurt them will be a benefit to that person. Therefore, they refuse to forgive that person who doesn’t deserve to receive a blessing. Nothing could be further from the truth. The real truth is that forgiveness blesses the one who forgives. By forgiving others, YOU are released from anger, jealousy, hurt, or revenge. By forgiving, YOU are blessed, not the other person. With forgiveness, YOU receive the blessings of peace, restoration, wholeness, and completion. Forgiveness is a powerful character and value. Its power is directed towards you.
The Links below will take you to Resources you can use in a Christian Faith Based setting
to encourage the Character Quality of Forgiveness.
Our other Pillars have resources that can be adapted for use in a Christian setting.
Visit Forgiveness in School>>
Activities
No Matter How You Say It
Curriculum Connections
Croskey’s Corner
Visit Forgiveness in Business>>
Teambuilding
Power Up with Character
Interview Questions
Adult Business Books
Visit Forgiveness in the Community>>
Quotes
Character All Month Calendar
Related Qualities
Character Holiday Activities
Family Activity (with a printable for sending home to parents)