Forgiving Challenge Kids: The 11-Day Forgiveness AdventureSample

The Step Up (Sanctification)

In Australia, The Sydney Morning Herald newspaper reported in 2019 that an estimated $400 million was spent on ten million unwanted gifts last Christmas, many of which were discarded and likely ended up in landfills.

What were some of these gifts? A national survey shows that candles, pamper products, pajamas, slippers, underwear, and socks are among the top of the list.

What a waste!

Jesus says that He also gives each one of us gifts. Sometimes those gifts come in the form of a unique talent or an amazing family or friend. Sometimes it's an opportunity that few others have, or maybe it's living in a particular time in history.

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. James 1:17

Just like those gifts in the landfill after Christmas, sometimes we can waste the good gifts God gives us. Instead, we get into fights with our families, get greedy and keep for ourselves what we should share, or keep our talents locked away to avoid someone making fun of us or being better than us.

When God forgives us, he doesn't just clean us up shiny and new to just sit in a corner and watch YouTube all day. He forgave us and now sees us grow! He wants us to get those gifts out and use them! Those gifts are not collectors' items that just stay in the box, or worst of all, get thrown away in a landfill. They are to be used!

Part of the journey of learning to follow Jesus is using the gifts and talents He has given us. He promises us that we don't have to do it alone and that He gives us all that we need.

Now we have received not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from God, that we might understand the things freely given us by God. 1 Corinthians 2:12

Challenge: What unique gifts has God given you? Try to list ten things, with 5 being things you can see and touch and 5 things you can't see or touch, like your health or the love of a grandparent. Then remember to thank God for those gifts.