Fun: What is Forgiveness?

(5–8 minutes, difficult set-up)
Learners will search for quotes that best describe popular viewpoints about forgiveness.
Provide sheets of paper, markers, and tape.

Distribute paper and markers to learners. Encourage learners to work with a partner, using their smartphones, to find quotations that reflect popular viewpoints about forgiveness, and to then write their chosen quotation on their paper. If necessary, tape these quotes that you’ve written on paper prior to class to the wall.:

“Forgiveness is the fragrance the violet sheds on the heel that has crushed it.”—Mark Twain
“Forgive your enemies, but never forget their names.”—John F. Kennedy

After a couple of minutes, collect quotes from learners and tape them to the wall. Invite learners to silently review the quotes before responding to these questions:

Which attitude toward forgiveness seems most prevalent in our society today?
Which attitude would bring the most bitterness or heartache?
Which attitude would bring the greatest healing?

After discussion, explain that, in today’s lesson, learners will consider Jesus’ remarks about the importance of forgiveness in the lives of His followers.