Luke 15:11-32
Have you ever messed up really badly? Whatever the situation and whatever the mess up, there’s good news. God doesn’t choose to forgive some things and not others. God forgives all things.
Grab a piece of paper and draw a large heart in the center of the page. Write the words of this verse in puffy letters and then decorate your heart any way you choose. Put your heart next to your bed as a reminder this week that when you ask, God will forgive you.
Jesus came to earth so that we can be forgiven. When you trust Jesus as your Savior, you become a part of God’s family forever. Following Jesus doesn’t make you perfect. You’ll still mess up and need to ask God and others for forgiveness. Thankfully, when you ask, God will always forgive you.
To confess means that you admit when you’re wrong. You let God know how you know you messed up. When you’re honest with God, it helps you feel connected to God.
Fill it in
Fill in the blank with what’s missing.
“But God is faithful and fair. If we confess our sins, he will _________ our sins. He will _____________every wrong thing we have done. He will make us pure.”
1 John 1:9, NIrV
Remember, God always forgives us.
Who is the “you” in this verse? Who forgives? God!
And who can you serve with respect? God!
Because God forgives us so completely, God deserves all our respect and honor and praise.
In this story Jesus told, the son dishonored his father in every way. But when he decided to go home and beg for forgiveness, what did his father do? He ran toward his son! Instead of anger, the father called for a celebration. He chose to restore his son to the family. This is what God does for us!
When you need forgiveness, picture God running full speed toward you!
Grab some paper and a pencil. Draw the son on one side, scared of what he might face. Then draw the father on the other, running to embrace him. Write “God will always forgive you” along the top of the page to remind you of God’s great love for you.
As your kid starts their day, remind them that you love them—no matter what. And nothing they do or say could make you love them less.
At a meal, share the definition of forgiveness for this month, “Deciding that someone who has wronged you doesn’t have to pay.” Talk through some examples and real-life scenarios to explore what that means and how to do that.
While on the go, ask your kid: “Who is someone you know who needs some encouragement? What is something nice we can do for them?”
Pray for each other: “God, thank You that no matter what we do, no matter how bad we think it is, You will always forgive us when we come to You.”