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This week, we’re going to take a moment to reflect on God’s forgiveness.

Lots of us recognise that forgiveness is important to Christians and something that Jesus demonstrated and taught.

But it can be hard for us to grasp or understand God’s forgiveness. Some of us may think that God can’t forgive us, and some may think God isn’t loving enough to forgive.

Can you think of any bible verses or teachings about forgiveness?

God’s forgiveness is an incredible expression of his love for us.

Forgiveness is at the heart of the most important story of the Christian faith. The bible speaks of Jesus’ sacrificial death as an act of forgiveness. For God so loved this world that he sent his one and only son, not to condemn the world, but to offer forgiveness and new life.

We can find hope in God’s promise that he will always forgive. 1 John 1:9 says that if we ever ask for God to forgive, “he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins.”

There is nothing you have ever done that God cannot or will not forgive when he is humbly asked.

God’s forgiveness cannot be earned, and you don’t have to prove that you deserve it. He offers it freely from his own never-failing compassion towards us.

Have a moment to think and talk with others about this question. What would you say to God if he told you that he had forgiven all the mistakes you had made?

Let’s pray,

Father God, when we forget how good you are, show us your goodness. When we doubt your love, show us your never-failing compassion. We remember your promise that you always offer forgiveness to those who humbly ask. Show us your forgiveness when we have got it wrong. Help us to forgive others as you have forgiven us.

We pray this in your name,

Amen.