Forgiving Challenge Kids: The 11-Day Forgiveness AdventureSample

The Clean-Up (Absolution)

A group of people called the Amish are known for peace and a simple lifestyle different from our modern world. They do not have electronics or even drive cars. They do not believe in war or guns.

In September 2007, a milk truck driver went into an Amish schoolhouse and opened fire. Five girls died. That milkman, Charles Roberts, had lost his daughter only nine months before and in his twisted mind, shooting those children made things right. The parents of those children were heartbroken, but they all decided they wanted to forgive Charles Roberts. They would not hold a grudge against him or get revenge.

In ancient culture, the word 'tetelestai' was written on business documents or receipts to indicate that a bill was paid in full. As a result, you would save that receipt because that declared your freedom. Therefore, you would not have to pay the bill again.

When Jesus said the word 'tetelestai' on the cross, He wasn't saying His suffering life was finished. Instead, He was declaring that the price for our sin was finished!

When people heard Jesus say the word 'tetelestai,' they would have understood that Jesus was settling up a debt. It was a receipt that said, "PAID IN FULL."

He cleaned up our mess-ups. So when we see our big sin problem, our response towards Jesus should be absolute gratefulness. He gave you back your life at the cost of His own.

When the Amish forgave Charles Roberts, they gave up their right to get even. So instead, they left it up to God to make everything right in the end. This gave them the freedom to live their lives even when they were sad.

You are free too! Your sin has been taken care of; you owe nothing.

Challenge: Practice writing out an apology to someone. If you have someone in mind that you need to apologize to, send them a note or speak to them face to face. Remember to include the three steps we learned from yesterday.