God Helps Us Forgive Again and Again
Children's church (3-6) · leader guide · Anchor: Matthew 18:21-22· preview
From the sermon Unlimited Forgiveness?
Leader Notes
Duration: 5 minutes
Tone: Warm, gentle, and reassuring. Use a calm storytelling voice. If a child gets restless, invite them to sit closer or give them a simple fidget (soft toy). Pause between sections to let wiggles happen.
Main Idea: Jesus wants us to forgive our friends every time, just like God forgives us.
Anchor Scripture
Then Peter came up and said to him, 'Lord, how often will my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? As many as seven times?' Jesus said to him, 'I do not say to you seven times, but seventy-seven times.'
— Matthew 18:21–22
Story Time: The Forgiving Friend
Leader: Listen to this short story about two friends.
Emma and Liam were playing with blocks. Liam accidentally knocked over Emma's tower. Emma felt sad. But then she remembered: Jesus says to forgive again and again! So Emma said, 'It's okay, Liam. Let's build together.' They became even better friends.
Leader Note: Read slowly. Emphasize 'again and again' with a gentle hand motion (patting your heart twice).
Motion Activity: Counting Forgiveness
Leader: Let's count together! Hold up your fingers. Can we count to seven? (Count with the children: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7.) Now, Jesus says we forgive even MORE than seven times — so many times we can't even count them all! Let's wiggle all our fingers in the air like we're throwing confetti, because God's forgiveness is EVERYWHERE!
(Model: wiggle fingers overhead, smile big.)
Leader Note: This is playful, not precise. The goal is to communicate 'more than we can count.'
Yes/No Question
Leader: Does Jesus want us to forgive our friends when they say sorry?
Expected Answer: Yes!
Leader Note: Nod encouragingly. If a child says 'no,' gently redirect: 'Jesus says yes! He helps us forgive because He loves us so much.'
Coloring Page Prompt
Leader: Now you get to draw a picture! Draw two friends being kind to each other — maybe sharing a toy or holding hands. Remember, Jesus helps us forgive our friends!
Leader Note: Provide crayons and blank paper. Circulate and affirm their drawings ('I see kindness in your picture!'). This is a quiet wind-down activity.
Closing Prayer (Leader-Led)
Leader: Let's fold our hands and close our eyes.
Dear Jesus, thank You for forgiving us every day. Help us forgive our friends, too. We love You. Amen.
Leader Note: Keep it short. Some children may peek or fidget — that's okay. Model calm reverence.