RCCG YAYA Sunday School Students Manual 19 October 2025 Lesson 7 – Forgiveness
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TOPIC: Forgiveness (RCCG Sunday School Manual For Young Adults And Youths (YAYA)
MEMORY VERSE: “And he is before all things, and by him all things consist.” – Colossians 1:17 (KJV)
BIBLE PASSAGE: Genesis 50:17-20 (KJV) (Scroll down for RCCG Sunday School 19 October 2025 HYMN)
17 So shall ye say unto Joseph, Forgive, I pray thee now, the trespass of thy brethren, and their sin; for they did unto thee evil: and now, we pray thee, forgive the trespass of the servants of the God of thy father. And Joseph wept when they spake unto him.
18 And his brethren also went and fell down before his face; and they said, Behold, we be thy servants.
19 And Joseph said unto them, Fear not: for am I in the place of God?
20 But as for you, ye thought evil against me; but God meant it unto good, to bring to pass, as it is this day, to save much people alive.
INTRODUCTION: Forgiveness involves an intentional decision to put aside feelings of resentment, anger, and revenge toward someone who has committed a wrong, been unfair, or otherwise hurt you. Nonetheless, some people find it hard to forgive those who have offended them. Some believers even say it is when they get to heaven before they can forgive. However, the Bible makes it clear that those who refuse to forgive men, will not be forgiven by God too (Matthew 6:14-15). Therefore, we need to understand why believers must practice forgiveness and learn how to achieve it.
LESSON OUTLINES
- REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
- ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS
1. REASONS CHRISTIANS SHOULD FORGIVE
- One of the fundamental obligations of a Christian is to follow peace with all men (Hebrews 12:14-15).
- As Christians, we should not only forgive but we should heal (Genesis 45:1-15; 50:15-21).
- The major reasons we are to forgive are:
i. It is a command (Mark 11:25; Ephesians 4:32).
ii. We are the light of the world. We are a living example that others follow and watch
consistently (Matthew 5:14; Matthew 5:16).
iii. God is angry with us when we refuse to forgive (Matthew 18:32-35).
iv. Lack of forgiveness hinders prayers (Mark 11:25).
v. We need to be forgiven (Matthew 6:14).
2. ACHIEVING TRUE FORGIVENESS
- Forgiveness can help prevent depression, anxiety, high blood pressure and hostility (Romans 12:18).
- It boosts self-esteem and brings peace of mind (Psalm 32:1-5; Hebrews 12:15b).
- To forgive, we can adopt the programme known as the REACH model. REACH stands for
Recall, Empathise, Altruistic Gift, Commit and Hold.
i. Recall: To achieve forgiveness, be objective in understanding clearly
the wrong done. It is not to wallow in self-pity or to hold a grudge against the offender (Genesis 45:4).
ii. Empathise: Being objective will also help to see from the offender’s point of view, why he or she did what was done but without downplaying the wrong that was done (Genesis 37:8, 19-21; 50:20a).
iii. Altruistic gift: At this stage, the offended can remember his shortcomings and how he was forgiven. He then realises that forgiveness is a gift we all need at one point or the other (Colossians 3:13).
iv. Commit: To commit is to make public (share) one’s decision to forgive with an accountability partner who can put a check on you. Apostle Paul wrote publicly about his commitment to have a clear conscience at all times (Acts 24:16).
v. Hold: At the final stage of this model, the offended must be determined to see to it that his decision to forgive is realised. This is tough because memories of the event will often reoccur. When the feeling of hurt arises, remind yourself that you have forgiven and ultimately, you want the good of the offender (Genesis 50:17-20).
CONCLUSION: True forgiveness may not come cheap, but its benefits outweigh the pain. Learn to forgive.
QUESTIONS:
- Why should Christians forgive?
- Mention four steps to achieving forgiveness.
FURTHER READINGS:
Sunday: Mark 11:25 (KJV)
And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.
Monday: Romans 14:19 (KJV)
Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.
Tuesday: Matthew 5:44 (KJV)
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Wednesday: 1 Thessalonians 5:15 (KJV)
See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.
Thursday: Romans 12:16 (KJV)
Be of the same mind one toward another. Mind not high things, but condescend to men of low estate. Be not wise in your own conceits.
Friday: 1 Corinthians 1:10 (KJV)
Now I beseech you, brethren, by the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, that ye all speak the same thing, and that there be no divisions among you; but that ye be perfectly joined together in the same mind and in the same judgment.
Saturday: Acts 7:60 (KJV)
And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.
ASSIGNMENT: Prayerfully follow the practical lessons on forgiveness and let go of anyone who has hurt you. (No Marks).
SUNDAY SCHOOL HYMN
- O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
O how I love Thee well,
I am happy, it makes me glad
To rejoice at Thy birth. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Thy friend friendship suits me well,
Both young and will sing Thy song,
We long for Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Christ was Thy first teacher,
The Holy Spirit, great teacher,
Does manifest in thee. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
This testimony is sure,
That God, the Father Almighty,
Poured His blessing on Thee - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day,
Though the sun be so bright,
Or if the clouds be black with rain,
I’ll be in Sunday School. - O Sunday School, on the Lord’s day
I rejoice to see Thee,
Will thou pass over me today?
Without my being blest?
