Friend April 2023 “I Can Follow Jesus by Forgiving”

I can forgive others as Jesus did.

Matthew 27:26–37; Luke 23:34

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 How will you help the children understand how to forgive those who are unkind, as Jesus did?

• Describe how the soldiers were unkind to Jesus (see Matthew 27:26–37), and then read Luke 23:34. Explain that when we forgive others, we aren’t angry at them anymore and we show love to them.

Friend August 2017 “Jesus Forgives” Jesus teaches Peter to forgive. Jesus forgave sins, and he forgave his crucifiers.

• Share examples in which someone says or does something unkind. Invite the children to talk about how they could show forgiveness in these situations.

“Cease From Anger” (February 2010 Friend)
Take this quiz to see how forgiving you are. When we are loving and forgiving, we can be peacemakers.

• Sing together a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). Ask questions that are answered in the song, like “Whom should we forgive?” or “Who can help us when forgiving is hard?”

• Search a recent issue of the Friend to find a story about a child who forgave someone. Share this story with the children.

Friend September 2019 “The Frog Princess Forgives” Katya was excited to show her friends the costume items she found so they could do the play “The Frog Princess. But one of her friends wanted to be the princess and she said some mean things to Katya. Katya was upset and went home. Her friend felt bad, but Katya was too angry to forgiver her. Being angry didn’t feel very good though, so she prayed for help to forgive her friend. Heavenly Father helped her forgive her friend and Katya suggested that they take turns being the princess.

Friend June 2023 “Come, Follow Me Activities for Little Ones” Help your little ones say, “I can forgive others like Jesus did.” Explain that when we forgive, we help make it right. Act out a few scenes of times someone might need forgiveness, like after breaking a toy. Help your little ones think about what they could say.

See also Resources for Teaching Children: Forgiveness

“Lesson 40: I Can Forgive Others,” Primary 2: Choose the Right A

1. Jan had just finished drawing a beautiful picture when her little brother came and scribbled all over it with a crayon. Jan was so upset that she yelled and slapped her brother’s hand.
   • Did Jan show forgiveness?
   • How do you think Jan felt inside?
   • What could Jan do to show forgiveness to her brother?
2. On the playground, Donna came up to Cali and pushed her down. Donna ran away laughing. The next day, Donna fell out of the swing and hurt her knee. Cali rushed over and helped her up.
   • Did Cali show forgiveness?
   • How do you think Cali felt inside?
3. When Chad was waiting to get a drink of water from the fountain, the boy in front of him turned and threw water on him. Chad’s face was all wet, but he just turned and walked away without saying a word. The next day when Chad was getting a drink, the same boy walked by. Chad could have thrown water on the boy, but he didn’t.
   • Did Chad show forgiveness?
   • How do you think Chad felt inside?

The Red Crystal “Matthew 27” Lots of great lesson ideas!

I can forgive others as Jesus did.

Matthew 27:26–37; Luke 23:34

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 It can be hard to forgive others. The children you teach will be blessed as they follow the Savior’s example and learn to forgive.

• Invite the children to take turns reading about the soldiers being unkind to Jesus in Matthew 27:26–37 and Jesus forgiving them in Luke 23:34. (See the insight provided by the Joseph Smith Translation in Luke 23:34, footnote c.) What do we learn from Jesus’s example?

• Write on the board What can you do to forgive someone who is unkind to you? Let the children take turns writing ideas on the board, such as Pray to have kind feelings toward the person or Think of something good about the person.

Friend March 2015

Jesus Christ Asks Me to Forgive Others.

As you read Doctrine and Covenants 64:1–11, think about a time when the Lord forgave you. You might also think about someone you need to forgive.

Doctrine and Covenants 64:7–10

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”

• Read the phrase “ye ought to forgive one another” (Doctrine and Covenants 64:9), and ask the children what it means to forgive someone. (As people forgive each other, they treat one another with Christlike love and have no bad feelings toward those who have offended them. (Guide to the Scriptures, “Forgive,”)) To help them understand, share a few simple examples. Help them role-play these examples to practice forgiving.
• Read Doctrine and Covenants 64:10 slowly to the children, and have them shake hands with another child when they hear the word “forgive.” Share your testimony of the peace and happiness that come when we forgive others.

The Lord wants me to forgive everyone.

As these verses show, even disciples of Jesus Christ sometimes have trouble forgiving one another. Consider how you will help the children understand the Lord’s command “to forgive all.” (Clarify that forgiving does not mean allowing people to hurt us; they should always tell a trusted adult if someone hurts them.)

• Invite the children to imagine that they were asked to teach a younger sibling about forgiving others. How would they do it? Invite them to read Doctrine and Covenants 64:7–10 in pairs and to find phrases they would use in their teaching. They could also practice teaching one another.
• Why do you think the Lord commands us “to forgive all”? (verse 10). Think of an analogy that might help the children understand how we are “afflicted” when we don’t forgive (verse 8). For example, show the children a bag of mud or dirt; ask them to imagine that someone threw mud on them. How might failing to forgive be like saving the mud and always carrying it with us? Why would it be better to throw the mud away? Help the children think of other analogies that teach why it is important to forgive.

“Pockets Full of Rocks” (February 2014 Friend)
A humorous poem about a man who carries rocks around to remind him of all things people have done to him.

Family relationships provide many opportunities to learn to forgive. Maybe family members could talk about how forgiving each other has blessed your family. How has the Savior helped us forgive each other? How are we “afflicted” (verse 8) when we don’t forgive others? Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 64–66”

Friend March 2015 “Family Fun Time”

Friend August 2015 “You Can Repent and Forgive”

Sing a song about forgiveness, such as “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). What does this song teach us about forgiving others? How does Heavenly Father help us forgive others?

Friend August 2022 “Jesus Said”

For additional story and activity ideas see Forgiveness and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

Jesus Wants Me to Forgive Those Who are Unkind to Me.

Doctrine and Covenants 98:39–40

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

The Lord asked the Saints who were being persecuted in Jackson County, Missouri, to forgive those who had harmed them. As you teach the children the importance of forgiveness, make sure they also understand that if someone hurts them, they should always tell a trusted adult.

• Tell the children about the persecutions that occurred in Jackson County, Missouri, in 1833 (see chapters 34 and 35in Doctrine and Covenants Stories, 128–34). Ask the children how they would feel if they were members of the Church at that time. Read Doctrine and Covenants 98:39–40, and ask the children to listen for what the Lord told the Saints to do when their enemies asked for forgiveness. Why does Jesus want us to forgive people, even those who are not nice to us?

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 34: God Warns the People of Zion” Images and video

Doctrine and Covenants Scripture Stories “Chapter 35: The Saints Leave Jackson County” Images and video

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Doctrine and Covenants 2021 “Doctrine and Covenants 98-101”

• Place a picture of a happy face on one wall and a sad face on the opposite wall. Share with the children different situations in which someone is unkind. Suggest ways we could respond to the unkind actions, and help the children decide if each response would make them happy or sad. Invite the children to point to the corresponding face on the wall.
• We are commanded to love one another, to forgive others “seventy times seven,” and to turn the other cheek (see Matthew 5:39, 43–44; 18:21–22). How might you use these verses to teach the children these truths.
• Ask the children if they can think of a time when Jesus Christ or someone else in the scriptures did what Doctrine and Covenants 98:23 teaches. To give them one example, show a picture of the Crucifixion (such as Gospel Art Book,no. 57). Ask the children to share what they know about the Savior’s Crucifixion (see Luke 23). Invite them to read Luke 23:34. How can we follow the example of Jesus Christ?

Primary 5: Doctrine and Covenants and Church History “Lesson 27: The Saints Are Expelled from Jackson County”  See lesson for more teaching ideas and stories.

1. Place inside a large sock or cloth bag five to ten familiar items, such as a small toy, a key, a button, a nail, and a piece of candy. Tie the end of the sock or bag in a knot, or tie some string around it to keep it closed.Give the children pencils and paper, and allow each child to feel the sock or bag and make a list of what he or she thinks is in it. After everyone has had a turn, open the sock or bag and show the children the contents. Point out that it was hard to know what was inside the sock or bag by looking at or feeling the outside of it. Similarly, we can see a person’s actions, but we cannot see the thoughts or feelings that cause those actions.Explain that the Saints were commanded by the Lord in Doctrine and Covenants 98:23–24 to bear their persecution with patience and not seek revenge against their enemies. The Saints could see their enemies’ actions, but only the Lord knew why the mob members did what they did. Only he knew the intent of their hearts. The Saints were to forgive instead of seeking revenge.
   • What happens to people who refuse to forgive? (Feelings of hate, anger, and revenge drive away the Spirit of God. No person who refuses to forgive can be truly happy.)

Forgiveness Brings Peace.

Old Testament Stories “Joseph and the Famine” Illustrations

Genesis 42–44; 45:1–15

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50” Joseph’s brothers had done terrible things to him. Yet Joseph forgave them and brought peace to his family.

• Help the children act out scenes from Genesis 42–44. As they do, ask them how they think Joseph might have felt to see his brothers again or how the brothers might have felt when they finally recognized Joseph.
• Ask the children what it means to forgive someone. Help them understand that forgiving someone includes treating him or her with Christlike love. Ask the children what they know about the story of Joseph forgiving his brothers, or read with the children verses from Genesis 45:1–15. What did Joseph do or say to let his brothers know he forgave them? What can we say or do when others ask us to forgive them?
• Ask the children to think of a time when they forgave someone or when someone forgave them. To give them time to think, share an experience of your own, and testify of the blessings that came from forgiveness. Invite the children to share their experiences, if they would like to. How did they feel? What do we learn about forgiveness from the Savior’s example? (see Luke 23:33–34).

Come, Follow Me—For Individuals and Families: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”

Your family might enjoy acting out the story of Joseph reuniting with his brothers. (“Joseph and the Famine” in Old Testament Stories might help.) Have fun with it—use costumes and props if you’d like. Encourage family members to try to understand the emotions and perspectives of the characters. You might focus especially on the feelings of Joseph toward his brothers and on how they might have felt when he forgave them. This could lead to a discussion about how forgiveness can bless your family.

When Joseph met his brothers again after many years, how did they demonstrate that they had changed since he last saw them? What can we learn about repentance from their experiences?

Joseph recognized that although his experience in Egypt had been difficult, “God meant it unto good” (Genesis 50:20). Has your family experienced any trials that God turned into blessings?

A hymn about God’s goodness during times of trial (such as “How Firm a Foundation” [Hymns, no. 85]) could enhance this discussion. What details from Joseph’s experiences exemplify what the hymn teaches?

Lesson 17: Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” Primary 6: Old Testament (1996), 71–74 Purpose: To help each child have the desire to forgive others.
Friend May 2018 “Joseph Forgives His Brothers”

Friend March 2020 “Come, Follow Me Activities: Forgiveness Hearts”

Story: Joseph’s brothers were very unkind to him. After many years, he saw them again. He saw that they had become better. He forgave them and was kind to them. (See Genesis 42; 45.)

Song: “Love One Another” (Children’s Songbook, 136–37)

Activity: Cut out paper hearts. On one side, write what you could say or do to apologize when you have hurt someone. On the other side, write what you could say or do to forgive someone.

Friend May 2018 “Joseph Forgave” Story, video, and goal card.

Come Follow Me with Living Scriptures “Forgiveness Brings Blessings” Lesson ideas

Latter Day Kids “Forgiving Others” Lesson ideas

• “Joseph, Jacob’s Son” (June 1998 Friend)
  A rebus retelling of the story of Joseph.

• “Joseph, Son of Israel (Part 2)” (June 1990 Friend)
  An illustrated retelling of the second half of the story of Joseph, including Joseph’s experience with Potiphar, interpreting the dreams of Pharaoh, and giving his family food.

• Coloring Page: “Joseph Forgives His Brothers” (April 2010 Friend)

Lesson 17: Joseph Forgives His Brothers,” Primary 6: Old Testament

1. Talk with the children about forgiveness. You may wish to bring a bag and some rocks, books, or other heavy items. Have a child hold the bag as you put each rock in. Explain that each rock represents an angry or hurt feeling. Have the child walk around the room or just hold the bag for a while. Explain that when we keep our angry and hurt feelings, they become burdens to us. If we can forgive others, our burden will be gone and we will feel better. (Take the rocks out.) Emphasize that people are more important than problems. It is important to forgive others and continue to love and care about them. Encourage the children to be as forgiving as Joseph was to his brothers.Suggest that the children share this activity with their families. Encourage them to discuss how keeping angry or hurt feelings is like carrying around a bag of heavy rocks.

Gospel Art Picture: “Joseph Greets His Brothers in Egypt”

• Video: Old Testament Stories, “Chapter 14: Joseph’s Brothers in Egypt”

For the Strength of Youth April 2024 “Antidotes to Relationship Toxins” An antidote is a medicine that counteracts a poison or toxin. Figuratively, an antidote is something that “cures” a bad feeling or situation. For example, President Russell M. Nelson said, “Charity is the antidote to contention.”¹ Not all physical poisons have antidotes. But through the Savior, we can find cures for our personal poisons—including the ones in our relationships with others.

I Can Forgive.

Genesis 50:15–21

Come, Follow Me—For Primary: Old Testament 2022 “Genesis 42–50”What can the children learn about forgiveness from the example of Joseph forgiving his brothers?

• Use this week’s activity page to help the children remember how Joseph’s brothers had been unkind to him. Read to the children Genesis 50:17, emphasizing that the brothers were sorry for what they did and wanted Joseph to forgive them. Read verse 21 to show that Joseph forgave his brothers—he was not angry with them anymore.

• Sing together “Help Me, Dear Father” (Children’s Songbook, 99). When you sing about forgiving, invite the children to point to Joseph on the activity page. When you sing about repenting, invite them to point to his brothers.

• Help the children think of situations in which they might need to forgive someone. Invite the children to practice what they might say or do to show forgiveness to that person.

For Additional Teaching Ideas see Teaching Children the Gospel “Forgiveness” and Resources for Teaching Children “Forgiveness”

Friend April 2023 “Because of the Savior” By President Russell M. Nelson

Each Easter, we rejoice in Jesus Christ’s Resurrection. He showed us how to forgive. While on the cross, He asked Heavenly Father to forgive those who had hurt Him. He taught us to love our enemies and pray for them.

I invite you to pray and think about who you need to forgive. Also think about who you need to ask to forgive you. I promise that as you forgive and seek forgiveness, the Savior will bring you peace.

Jesus Christ is risen! He loves you! And because of Him, you can feel the joy and miracle of forgiveness.

Nephi Forgives

Watch video from 00:39 to end

Friend January 2024 “Forgiving Like Nephi” Josh called Aisea a mean name after Aisea’s team won the game. The rest of the day, Aisea felt like a heavy weight was pulling him down. He did not like Josh anymore. During family scripture study that night he read about a time when Nephi’s brothers were unkind to him. “And it came to pass that I did frankly forgive them,” the scripture said.” Aisea thought about Josh. He didn’t want to hold onto his bad feelings for Josh forever. Aisea wanted to be like Nephi. He could forgive Josh, just like Nephi forgave his brothers. And if Josh said something mean again, he would just ask him not to. He felt warm and peaceful inside, and the heavy weight from before was gone.

I can forgive others. (Jr)

2 Corinthians 2:7–8, 10

Explain to the children that Paul wanted the Corinthian Saints to forgive a man who had sinned. Read 2 Corinthians 2:7–8, 10, and invite the children to place their hands over their hearts every time they hear the words forgive and forgave. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

The Cozy Red Cottage “I Can Forgive Others”

Invite the children to role-play how they could respond in situations when someone has done something unkind. Let them take turns saying “I’m sorry” and “I forgive you.” How do we help people know that we forgive them? Explain that one way might be to “confirm your love,” or show love to them (2 Corinthians 2:8). (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

• Someone hit you and pushed you down.
• Someone won’t let you play a game.
• Someone broke something of yours.
• Someone called you an unkind name.
• Someone took what you were playing with and won’t share it.

The Cozy Red Cottage “I Can Forgive Others”

Friend September 2022 “Matt and Mandy” Mandy is about to score her first goal and is knocked over by a player.

Friend April 2019 “A New Block Tower” Mason accidentally knocks down Bo’s block tower. Mason says sorry and offers to help build another one. Bo forgives him, and they both are happy.

Friend August 2015 “You Can Repent and Forgive”

Latter Day Kids “Forgiveness” Lesson ideas

I can forgive others. (Sr)

2 Corinthians 2:5–11

Tell the children that someone in Corinth had sinned and “caused grief” for the Saints (see 2 Corinthians 2:5). Ask the children to search 2 Corinthians 2:7–8 to find what Paul wanted the Saints to do. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

The Cozy Red Cottage “I Can Forgive Others”

Share an experience when you forgave someone—or someone forgave you—and explain how you felt afterward. Or share the video “The Goal: A Story of Faith, Friendship and Forgiveness” (ChurchofJesusChrist.org). Invite the children to share their experiences with forgiveness. (Come, Follow Me—For Primary: New Testament 2023 “2 Corinthians 1-7” )

See additional stories in the above section “I can forgive others. (Jr)”