Assembly of God's People
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class began with Larry Johnson noting the church’s intentional curriculum and the need to address forgiveness more directly. He explained that learning to forgive, like learning any skill, requires instruction, observation, and practice. The teacher emphasized that the Bible offers clear guidance, citing James 1:2‑3 and 1:5 on seeking wisdom, and Romans 12:19 on leaving revenge to God. He then walked the group through the Lord’s Prayer (Matthew 6:9‑13, Luke 11:2‑4) to illustrate the link between receiving forgiveness and extending it to others, and highlighted the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant (Matt. 18:21‑35) as a vivid example of God’s expectation that we mirror His mercy. Throughout the session, participants reflected on personal obstacles to forgiveness, shared experiences of both receiving and extending grace, and discussed practical steps such as praying for those who offend us and intentionally modeling forgiveness in family and work settings. The central message reinforced that forgiveness is not a feeling but a deliberate act of obedience that frees both the offender and the forgiver, aligning believers with the character of Christ and fostering healthy, God‑centered relationships.
Key Scriptures
Count it all joy, my brethren, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that if any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given to him.
Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God's wrath. For it is written: It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord.