Conversation Starters: Freed by God’s Forgiveness
Posted by Karah
THE BIBLE MEETS LIFE: God is holy. Therefore, He must punish sin. From the beginning, God has set a standard of righteousness, and failure to live by that standard brought death and separation from Him. In the end, no one gets by with their sin. As Romans 6:23 says, “The wages of sin is death.” But Jesus offers all people forgiveness and grace. No matter what we’ve done, we can know the freedom of God’s forgiveness.
Concept: Freed by God’s Forgiveness
Preschool
Luke 1:39-56
LIFE POINT: After the angel told Mary she would have a special child, she quickly went to visit a relative named Elizabeth, who was also going to have a baby. When Mary spoke to Elizabeth, the baby in Elizabeth jumped. Elizabeth knew something special was going to happen to Mary. Elizabeth told Mary she was special among women because of the baby she was to have. Mary sang a praise song to God. Mary thanked God for the promises God had given Abraham and his family members for years to come. Mary knew the promises God told her would come true. Mary stayed with Elizabeth for about three months, and then she returned to her home.
LIVE IT OUT: Print the name Jesus in the center of a sheet of paper. Give your child markers, crayons, or stickers to decorate the name. Remind your child that Jesus is God’s Son.
Kids
Luke 1:39-56
LIFE POINT: Mary traveled a long way to visit Elizabeth. When Mary arrived at Elizabeth and Zechariah’s house, she called out a greeting to Elizabeth. As soon as Mary called out, Elizabeth felt the baby inside her jump for joy. Right away Elizabeth said, “Mary, you are the most blessed of women. Your child will also be blessed!” Immediately, Mary began to praise God. She said, “I will tell of the greatness of God. God, my Savior, has looked on me with favor. All people will call me blessed because of what God has done for me.” For three months, Mary visited Elizabeth. Then she went back to Nazareth.
LIVE IT OUT: Discuss with your child the meaning of the word Savior. Tell your child to print the word Savior vertically down the left side of a paper. Help him think of words that describe a savior that begin with each letter.
Students
John 8:2-11
THE POINT: We deserve punishment, but God forgives. When was the funniest time you were caught red-handed? Are we responsible for exposing the sin of those around us? Explain. Discuss the following quote:
“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.”1 —Corrie ten Boom
LIVE IT OUT: Encourage your student to do one or both Live It Out activities. Here are some suggested ways to help your student:
If he or she plans to complete Don’t Forget:
• Ask your student to read Matthew 18:21-35. Guide your student to summarize what he or she learned in the passage.
• Lead them to explain what this parable taught them about God.
If he or she plans to do Priority Prayer:
• Help students understand the importance of praying for those with whom we have conflict.
1.”Corrie ten Boom >Quotes >Quotable Quote,” Goodreads [online], [accessed 11 June 2015]. Available from the Internet: www.goodreads.com/quotes/423740-forgiveness-is-an-act-of-the-will-and-the-will
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