A Weekly Bible Program
On a chilly Wednesday morning, a group of 4th graders walked from their public elementary school to a nearby church for their weekly Bible program. With their parents’ permission, these excited children made their way to the church during the school day. Balancing their lunch trays, they enjoyed singing worship songs as they walked. This day’s lesson focused on the important and challenging concept of forgiveness.
A Lesson on Forgiveness
Upon entering the church social hall, the children settled in as a volunteer leader noticed that Hannah, one of the girls, seemed quieter than usual. As they took their seats, the teacher posed a question: “Can anyone tell me why it’s important to forgive others?”
Hands shot up around the room with eager responses: “So you don’t get in trouble!” and “So you’re not mad anymore!”
The teacher explained that the Bible teaches us to rely on God’s strength to forgive, especially when it’s difficult. She illustrated that harboring unforgiveness weighs us down, using a heavy brick to symbolize the burden we carry. She referenced Matthew 18:22, where Jesus tells Peter to forgive not just seven times, but seventy-seven times.
A Transformative Moment
Hannah listened intently, grappling with her own feelings of unforgiveness. Recently, she had been bullied by a classmate who sat nearby. No one, not even the leader, knew about Hannah’s struggle.
As the lesson concluded, something remarkable happened. The classmate who had bullied Hannah leaned over and quietly asked, “Do you forgive me?” With tears in her eyes and a hesitant smile, Hannah nodded yes. In that instant, the weight of unforgiveness lifted, and a new friendship began to blossom. The lesson on forgiveness had a profound impact on both girls.
The Bible2School Program
You may be wondering, “Are public school students really allowed to attend Bible classes during the school day?” Yes! As the CEO of Bible2School, a public school ministry operating under the national released time rulings upheld by the Supreme Court, I can assure you that this is a fully legal and recognized program across all states.
Every week, during lunch and recess, children have the chance to learn about the Bible from trained volunteers. This program not only teaches Biblical principles but also fosters community and understanding among students.
Conclusion
The story of Hannah and her classmate illustrates how powerful lessons from the Bible can positively influence children’s lives, even within a public school setting. Programs like Bible2School provide invaluable opportunities for students to explore their faith and develop meaningful relationships. By participating in these programs, children can learn essential values such as forgiveness, compassion, and friendship, enriching their school experience and personal growth.
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