Forgive

Easter at Peoples

Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23: 34 (NIV)

Good Friday

Friday, April 7, 2023

In-Person – 9 & 11:30 AM
Livestream – 11:30 AM

Join us as we recall, reflect, and respond to the wonder of forgiveness and the depth of Christ’s love for us on the cross. We will be taking communion together – if you are joining us online, please join us with your communion elements. God desires for all people to experience His loving redemption and reconciliation through Jesus. As we look forward to this time together, we encourage you to pray about who you can invite.

*No children’s programming available

Easter Sunday

Sunday, April 9, 2023

In-Person – 9 & 11:30 AM
Livestream – 11:30 AM

Come and celebrate our risen King on Easter Sunday! Easter is a celebration of God’s amazing love – a message of hope for everyone. Invite your family, friends, and neighbours too!

Prayer

Join us in prayer as we prepare our hearts together in the weeks leading up to Easter. We encourage you to use the weekly guide below as you take time to pray and reflect on the depth of Christ’s forgiveness and what it means for our lives.

Forgiven

“He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.”- Psalm 103:12 NLT

When we acknowledge and follow Jesus as our Lord and Saviour, our lives are transformed, our sins are forgiven, and we are renewed. To be forgiven by God means that our sins have been erased and restoration has taken place. This has always been His plan. One that will provide a way for forgiveness and grace to flow freely for our ultimate good. Reflect for a moment. Consider how forgiveness has shaped your life. If you have not accepted the Lord’s gift of forgiveness, receive it now in a posture of repentance and simply ask.

Prayer: You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you. Thank you for forgiving my sins, restoring my heart, and allowing me to be carried by Your love.

Forgive

“If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”- Matthew 6:14-15 NLT

Everyone wrestles with forgiveness in some way. Many have dealt with hurt, disappointment, and pain caused by others. As we journey through life, may we realize that forgiveness is a gift and because of God’s willingness to offer forgiveness to us, our wrongdoings are not held against us. The act of forgiveness is not easy; however, Matthew 6:14 states that “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you.” In what ways are you challenged to forgive?

Prayer:Heavenly Father, thank You for allowing me to be a child of forgiveness. Help me to extend forgiveness to others and continue to choose to receive it from You.

Forgivable

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”- Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT

Many of us struggle and think, “How could God possibly forgive me for all of the things that I’ve done?” Or, “How could I possibly forgive that person for what they did to me or my loved one(s)?!” Please be reminded today that God specializes in forgiveness. Nothing can alter His love for you or that person that wronged you. No matter what you’ve done, there’s nothing He’s not willing to forgive anyone for. Is there anything preventing you from receiving the full measure of God’s gift of forgiveness or offering it others? If this is you, talk it out with God in prayer, ask Him to show you who you can confide in about your struggles and allow the Holy Spirit to lead you on a journey of receiving and extending forgiveness.

Prayer:Beautiful Saviour, in this world help me to remain kind and tenderhearted towards those who hurt me - even towards myself. Help me to forgive as You forgive, to love as You love and to continue to follow Your example.

Forgiver

“Do not be angry with each other, but forgive each other. If someone does wrong to you, then forgive him. Forgive each other because the Lord forgave you.”- Colossians 3:13 ICB

According to vocabulary.com, the definition of forgiver is “a person who pardons or forgives or excuses a fault or offense.”

There are many examples of this in the bible:

  • Jacob made his brother, Esau, very angry and sought his forgiveness (Genesis 33: 1-17).
  • Joseph forgives his brothers for selling him as a slave (Genesis 50: 15-21).

Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? If so, be encouraged to pursue God’s will regarding this. Your pain may run deep but God will guide you through the process while growing your faith.

Prayer:Dear Lord, allow me to remember that forgiveness is a lesson of love as You have displayed to us. May I walk in gratitude so that Your grace and forgiveness can flow freely from my life to others.

Resources

Here are some books, songs and other helpful material that can help you in a journey of forgiveness.

If you need prayer in this area, email prayer@thepeopleschurch.ca. Also, there are courses available on forgiveness through the RightNow Media resource library.

Books

Songs

Podcasts

Articles