Seventh-Day Adventist Devotional For Children: “A Heart Of Forgiveness”

DAILY BREAD – DEVOTIONAL FOR CHILDREN

EASTERN NIGERIA UNION CONFERENCE CHILDREN’S MINISTRIES

Monday, November 27, 2023

Title: A Heart of Forgiveness

“I always thank my God as I remember you in my prayers because I hear about your love for all his holy people and your faith in the Lord Jesus.” Philemon 1:4-5

Once upon a time, there was a man named Philemon who loved and followed Jesus. He had a friend named Onesimus, who was not a believer and had made some wrong choices. Onesimus had run away from Philemon and ended up meeting the Apostle Paul. Paul shared the good news of Jesus with Onesimus, and he became a believer. Paul knew that Philemon and Onesimus needed to reconcile and forgive each other. So, he wrote a letter to Philemon, encouraging him to welcome Onesimus back with open arms. Paul reminded Philemon of the love and faith he had in Jesus, urging him to forgive Onesimus just as God forgives us. “Therefore, although in Christ I could be bold and order you to do what you ought to do, yet I prefer to appeal to you on the basis of love” (Philemon 1:8). Philemon had a choice to make. He could hold onto his anger and refuse to forgive Onesimus, or he could choose to follow Jesus’ example of forgiveness and love. Philemon decided to forgive Onesimus and welcome him back as a brother in Christ. This act of forgiveness brought joy and reconciliation to their friendship. “So if you consider me a partner, welcome him as you would welcome me” (Philemon 1:7). The story of Philemon teaches us that we should treat others with kindness, just as Jesus treats us. We should forgive those who have hurt us and show them love and acceptance. Just like Philemon welcomed Onesimus back, we should embrace others and offer them a second chance.

Dear children, the story of Philemon teaches us about the power of forgiveness and the importance of treating others with love and kindness. Let us remember that Jesus forgives us, and we should extend that forgiveness to others. May we always have a heart of forgiveness, just like Philemon

Thought for reflections .
“True friendship is built on love, forgiveness, and acceptance. Just as Philemon welcomed Onesimus back with open arms, let us learn to embrace others with kindness and understanding. May we always remember that every person is deserving of love and a second chance, just as we have received from God. Let us be a shining example of God’s love to others, showing them the power of forgiveness and the beauty of true friendship.”

Song
Chorus
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together
With cords that cannot be broken.
Bind us together, Lord, bind us together, Lord,
Bind us together in love.

There is only one God, there is only one King,
There is only one Body, that is why we sing:
(Repeat chorus)

Prayer
Dear God, Thank you for teaching us about forgiveness through the story of Philemon. Help us to have a heart of forgiveness just like Philemon did. Help us to forgive those who have hurt us and to not hold grudges. Help us to show love and kindness to everyone, even those who may not deserve it. We know that forgiveness is not always easy, but with your help, we can do it. Please give us the strength and courage to forgive others and to ask for forgiveness when we have done wrong. Thank you for your love and forgiveness towards us. We pray that we can be more like you each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.