If your family is normal (and I suspect you are), you have hurt feelings and relationship issues sometimes. Today's post is about teaching forgiveness, with a Japanese twist. I'll be sharing some resources with you and also have a giveaway at the bottom, so don't miss that!
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God's Forgiveness
When God forgives us, he does so completely. He does not bring it up to us again, hold it against us or use it against us in the future. Even the consequences he allows are mercifully less than we deserve.
God's forgiveness is complete. The relationship is restored. And though there may be consequences, He no longer holds it against us.
Practicing Forgiveness
If we are to be like Christ, practicing personal character that honors him and his work on the cross to pay our sin debt and forgive us, we must also practice forgiveness of others
Forgiveness will be shown by our actions. When we truly forgive, we are able to show love and grace (undeserved favor) to those who have wronged us.
Walking out the practice of forgiveness in our own life as parents, helps us have a leg to stand on when dealing with our children and their forgiveness of one another.
Sometimes having tea together is a great way to dissipate the tension and talk through issues.
And sometimes a great story can help get the point across better than any amount of discussion. I'd encourage you to look over the following resources, get them, and use them in training your kids to have the personal character of forgiveness.
Resources for Teaching Forgiveness
Forgiveness for Teens and Adults:
Forgiving Others, Forgiving Me by Renee Fisher
By exploring the truths of Scripture and sharing her own extraordinary story of healing and repentance, Renee Fisher shows others in her generation how they too can let go of the pain and unforgiveness of the past, accept God's forgiveness and learn to forgive others in turn, move forward and embrace new dreams for the future, and be set free.
In the Presence of My Enemies by Gracia Burnham
In the Presence of My Enemies is the gripping true story of American missionaries Martin and Gracia Burnham's year as hostages in the Philippine jungle. This books was a New York Times best seller and has sold nearly 350,000 copies. The forgiveness evidenced in their story is quite impactful. My husband was privileged to know Gracia Burnham and attended Martin's funeral.
The Omni-God: Knowing Who God is and What That Means for Me, Vol 1 by Katie Hornor
A brand new Bible study/character curriculum suited for ages middle school to adult, challenging you to know God as truthful, patient, faithful and forgiving, and let that knowledge transform your mind and personal character. This unique Bible study of personal character that also incorporates lessons from history, science, music and literature.
Teaching Forgiveness to Children:
Forgive Your Enemies: Jacob Deshazer by Janet & Geoff Benge
Three thousand feet above China, it was Jake's turn to jump. He slid his pistol, knife, and ration packets into the pockets of his leather jacket and edged toward the open hatch of the B-25 bomber. He checked the tension on the harness of his parachute, made sure the handle of the ripcord was free, and then began lowering himself out of the hatch and into the darkness.
One of the famous Doolittle Raiders who first attacked Japan after the bombing of Pearl Harbor, Jacob DeShazer knew his one-way mission was dangerous. Indeed, it led to his capture as a prisoner of war. Beaten, malnourished, and alone in his cell, Jacob was given a Bible – and far away from home, this American soldier became a Christian.
After the war, Jacob returned to Japan and served his former enemy for thirty years as a missionary. His testimony of forgiveness and reconciliation – of love over hate – inspires a powerful gospel message for our lives today.
The Forgiving Tree by Mike & Jan Berenstain
When Cousin Fred accidentally damages Brother's brand-new bike, Brother Bear is angry. Can Sister Bear help him see that forgiving his friend is the right thing to do?
Giveaway has ended:
One winner will receive the following $60 value package:
- Forgive Your Enemies: Jacob Deshazer by Janet & Geoff Benge
- Japanese Coloring Book
- The Forgiving Tree by Mike & Jan Berenstain
- Japanese Tea Set
- 20-pc Japanese candy assortment
Dates: May 7-13, 2018.
Terms: No purchase necessary. Open only to legal residents of the United States, who are 18 years of age or older as of date of entry. Void in Puerto Rico and all other U.S. territories and wherever prohibited by law. Subject to all applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations. Decisions of ParadisePraises.com are final on all matters pertaining to Giveaway. By participating, entrants agree to be bound by these Official Rules and decisions of ParadisePraises.com. Winning a prize is contingent upon fulfilling all requirements set forth herein.
Participation in the giveaway is consent to receive email from sponsors. This is how winners will be notified and announced and digital prizes delivered. Prizes cannot be transferred or returned for cash value.
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Chances of winning vary based on the final number of entrants. Giveaway ends May13, 2018 at 11:59 PM EST. Winners will be chosen randomly and notified by email on or before May 14, 2018. Winner has 48 hours to respond or they may forfeit prize. ParadisePraises.com will be responsible for prize fulfillment. If you have any questions, please contact katie {at} paradisepraises {dot} com. FelizPreneur LLC, Po Box 416, Andrews, NC 28901.