INTRODUCTION

Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Bible Point:

Forgiving others honors God.

Key Verse:

“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men” (Colossians 3:23).

Big Picture:

Children will learn to forgive others.

Joseph Forgives His Brothers

Genesis 42-45

Being wronged and being angry are things children understand. When a toy is grabbed away or another offense is committed, the natural reaction is to feel hurt and anger. There is always some form of consequence for our actions, or the actions of others, but it’s important to help children learn that these feelings are okay and we can always choose to forgive others. This takes time, patience, and perseverance. It is also helpful for children to see this modeled by the grown-ups in their lives. Use this lesson to remind children that forgiveness allows our heart to feel free and light, and we can choose to forgive others because God always forgives us when we ask.

BIBLE TIME!

Genesis 42–45 tells us that Joseph forgave his brothers for the mean things they had done to him. Joseph forgave them and provided for his family by giving them grain during the famine. At first, Joseph’s family didn’t recognize him. Later, Joseph revealed himself to them and called for a feast to celebrate their reunion.

KEY VERSE

Do everything for God (adapted from Colossians 3:23).

BIBLE POINT

Forgiving others honors God.

PLAY AND PRAY

Encourage your child to role-play different situations that call for an act of forgiveness. Have your child pretend to take something from you. Then let your child say, “I’m sorry I took your [item]. Will you forgive me?” Be sure to respond, “I forgive you.” Then, ask your child to think of a time he or she had to forgive someone else.

ASK

• How do you feel when you do something that you shouldn’t do?

• How can you remember to be thankful for God’s forgiveness?

OUTDOOR ADVENTURES

Take a walk to a grocery store or a restaurant. On the way, remind your child that in Joseph’s day, it took a long time to travel from one place to another. Remind your child that Joseph’s family traveled for many days to buy food to feed the family. Have your child point out things that Joseph’s brothers might’ve seen on their journey. When you get to the store, show your child the different grains and beans and how we store them for people today.

ASK

• What did you think about Joseph meeting his brothers after all that time?

• Why is it helpful to forgive others?

READY, SET, GROW! 

This week, your child learned that God wants us to forgive. Your child committed to one of the following challenges to remember that he or she can forgive others because God has forgiven them. Help your child weave faith into life this week and follow through on the challenge!

• Draw a special picture for someone who hurt you.

• Talk with your grown up about a time someone hurt you, and how you can choose to forgive that person.