Our ‘statement to live by’ next week will be: “I try to forgive others when they hurt me”

Time to talk: Together you could think about what the word forgiveness means.

Why is it important?

Why can it be difficult?

Why are we asked to forgive those who hurt us?

Think of a time when you offered forgiveness?

Think of a time when forgiveness was offered to you?

How does it feel after forgiveness is shared?

How could more forgiveness, shared and received, make our world safer and happier?

We reflect on the inspirational words of St Theresa of Calcutta:

People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centred. Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.