FORGIVENESS CHRISTIANITY – KS2 Forgiveness is closely linked to the Christian concept of salvation. Christians believe that forgiveness for sins by God is possible because of the death and resurrection of Jesus. They believe that this restores the relationship between God and human beings. A definition: Forgiveness is the intentional and voluntary process by which a victim undergoes a change in feelings and attitude regarding an offense, lets go of negative emotions such as vengefulness, with an increased ability to wish the offender well.

What is forgiveness? The Big Question Show pupils this slide and explain that this is a statement by Martin Luther King Junior. Do they know who he was? Explain that he was a Christian who campaigned for the human rights of black people in the USA in the last century (1950s and 60s). Ask pupils to suggest examples of what this quote might mean in practice. Draw out the idea that forgiveness is not just a ‘one off ‘ action… it is about living out an attitude of love towards others the whole time. Some schools may like to link this quote with the Restorative approach to behaviour management, e.g.: http://www.restorativejustice4schools.co.uk/wp/?page_id=45 What is forgiveness? The Big Question

So … how often do you think we should forgive someone? Ask the pupils to undertake a ‘think, pair, share’ activity based on this question. Give them a few moments to consider an individual response, and then share with their partner. They then share their responses with the wider group. Draw out the most and least popular responses to the question. Ask pupils why they might have different views. You might want to encourage them to consider if it is easier to forgive some people more than others, or to forgive certain things.

Explain that the verses on this slide are recorded in Matthew’s gospel Explain that the verses on this slide are recorded in Matthew’s gospel. Peter, one of Jesus’ disciples, asks how often he should forgive someone. Jesus said that this followers should forgive others 70 x7. What does this mean? Ask the pupils to suggest meanings. Note that in New Testament times the number seven was considered to be the number of perfection. Jesus is saying that people should forgive and keep on forgiving. Just like the quote from Martin Luther King Jr., Jesus is referring to the forgiveness of God which is eternal and unwavering for ever. Ask the pupils if they can think of another way of expressing the same idea, for example in the form of a short poem using metaphors or similes to express the idea of eternity.

“Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!” Tell the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant from Matthew 18:21-35. Pupils might act out some of the part in a role play. Some film version links are also mentioned below.   A couple of film versions to try: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7ravN2sz2s https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XvTk34qUMv4 Questions to go deeper: What might a Christian learn about forgiveness from this parable? How does this parable support or disagree with the idea of forgiving 70x7? Who do you think the king represents in the parable? How about the servants? Look at the Lord’s Prayer. How do the words in this reflect the message of the parable?

Show this slide and encourage the pupils to reflect silently on the words for a few minutes. Ask them to think back and to suggest how this saying might link to the parable of the unforgiving servant. Ask for their responses to such questions as: What do you think the saying means by a ‘strong’ person? What truth do you think there is in this saying? Can you think of any examples where you have seen this in action? e.g. in the news, in school… The aim here is to deepen the pupils’ understanding of the nature of forgiveness to consider it as an act of will, that requires effort and can be hard. Ask them how they think that forgiveness could be made easier, e.g., if a person is a member of a strong family or community.

Show this slide and encourage the pupils to respond to such questions as: What have we learned about forgiveness so far? How might we sum up the Christian idea of forgiveness? As a picture? As an image? Which of these 7 images best sums up the Christian idea of forgiveness? Why have you chosen that one? What else do you need to know to help you get a deeper understanding of the Christian teachings about forgiveness?   Learning outcomes: Make links between the teachings of Jesus and the act of forgiveness. Describe the Christian teaching about forgiveness found in the Parable of the Unforgiving Servant. Children could go on to: explore the Christian teaching about forgiveness relating to the death and resurrection of Jesus. e.g theories of atonement; explore the Parable of the Prodigal Son and contrast to the Parable of the Unforgiving servant: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qk629OgERtw via RE:ONLINE for a version of the parable through sand art; explore the life of a famous Christian who has demonstrated forgiveness e.g. Martin Luther King: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n9J6xOT3Ldw via RE:ONLINE. A story and song of forgiveness. Most suitable for upper KS2; This Starter could lead into the full ‘banquet’ about forgiveness which can be found here: http://www.reonline.org.uk/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Banq-Chr-0006-Forgiveness-MM-v03.pdf