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Celebrate Jesus’ Gift of Forgiveness “Jesus did not come simply to make bad people good. Jesus came to bring dead people to life.” That quote from Christian activist Shane Claiborne sums up the reason Christians celebrate Easter. Because Jesus came back to life on Easter morning, he offers his followers new life as well. The good news of Easter is that although we’re still sinners, Jesus forgives us when we confess them. We no longer have to be burdened with our wrongs and the guilt that accompanies them. But that can be tough to remember on a day-to-day basis—for adults as well as teenagers. In Group Magazine’s recent survey of more than 26,000 Christian teenagers, half of them agreed with this statement: “I’ve done things no one really knows about that impact my ability to feel loved by God.” The first hurdle is finding someone to confess these burdens to. If your teenagers aren’t comfortable talking to you about their burdens, they may be able to open up to a youth leader or pastor who can assure them of God’s mercy and grace. The next hurdle is letting go of the remaining guilt. As longtime youth leader Jeanne Mayo said, “We must teach kids not only to repent but to deal with evil’s harassing mind games long after God has wiped the slate clean.” Past mistakes don’t have to mean lifelong regret. That’s a message you can share with your kids long after the Easter fanfare has quieted for another year. The United Methodist Perspective Peter came to Jesus and asked, “How many times do I forgive someone who hurts me? Seven?” Jesus answered, “More like seventy times seven.” (See Matthew 18:21-22.) Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not to be measured or to expire. Instead, he calls us to forgive abundantly and sincerely. Forgiveness is funny: We often hold onto anger and resentment instead of forgiving, thinking this is in our best interest. But nothing can be further from true. Forgiveness not only frees the one who offended us, but it frees us as well. Forgiveness frees us from anger’s control and frustration’s grip. Most importantly, forgiveness frees us to love others and better connect with people. John Wesley said, “The longer I live, the larger allowances I make for human infirmities.” Wesley understood that we all fall short and stand in need of forgiveness from others. This wise advice urges us to recognize this and offer forgiveness to others. Today &ldots; now. Do as Jesus instructs Peter to do, and forgive someone who has hurt you. Free them—and, at the same time, free yourself. (Hank Hilliard, Young People’s Ministries, hhilliard@GBOD.org)    PulsePulsePulsePulsePulsePulsePulse Forgiveness sounds like a wonderful concept. But putting it into practice—and accepting it—can be challenging for people of all ages. Check out these interesting stats about forgiveness: In the groundbreaking National Study of Youth and Religion, researcher Christian Smith asked teenagers “How much has religion helped to relieve your feelings of guilt by providing you (with) forgiveness?” Kids’ responses were: A lot—27% Some—25% A little—15% None—18% In a Gallup Poll, 94% of respondents said they thought forgiveness was essential. But 85% said they’d need outside help to forgive someone. Only 48% of people said they usually tried to forgive others.   GOD AND YOUR FAMILY Pray that: 1. Your Easter celebrations will remind teenagers that God loves them and offers them complete forgiveness. 2. Your teenagers won’t feel burdened by troubles or guilt. 3. God will help your family members freely and frequently forgive one another. 4. The good news of Easter will give your teenagers joy and hope long after the holiday is over.   VERSE OF THE MONTH “But God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners. &ldots; So now we can rejoice in our wonderful new relationship with God because our Lord Jesus Christ has made us friends of God.” (Romans 5:8, 11) Our merciful God made the ultimate sacrifice on Good Friday. Jesus took all the weight of our wrongdoing on himself. Because Jesus died for us and rose again on Easter, we not only have the assurance of forgiveness but are God’s friends who will spend eternity with him in heaven if we believe in him.   Going Deeper What did Easter mean for God as a parent? Check out this devotional excerpt from Lane Palmer. To read it all, visit SimplyYouthMinistry.com and type in “The Heartbreak of Easter.” At Easter, we celebrate the fact that Jesus Christ came back from the dead after paying the ultimate price. We celebrate the fact that salvation is available through trusting in the risen Savior of the world. But sometimes we forget: There was more than one sacrifice that was made on the hill called The Skull where Jesus hung on the cross and poured out his life. There was also a Parent. He watched in heaven as his precious Son was spit on, insulted, tortured, and finally murdered by people who had no idea who they were killing. The heart of God the Father must have been shattered into a million pieces as the land grew dark and Jesus cried out: “Father, I entrust my spirit into your hands!” (Luke 23:46). That’s why this Easter you need to remember and celebrate not only the earthly side of the gospel message but the heavenly side as well: God showed his great love for us by sending Christ to die for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). While we were headed for destruction—while we were selfish, sinful people, while we were clueless about the destiny of eternal souls—a Parent chose to love us and chose to let his one and only Son be crushed by the gears of crucifixion. Let the tragedy and triumph of that first Easter convince you that you have a heavenly Parent who loves you too much to live without you. To consider this further, read Psalm 22 as soon as you can. It was written from the perspective of Jesus as he was hanging on the cross. Read it and imagine how Jesus felt and how the Father felt as he watched Jesus suffer for you.   FilmWatch Movie: Remember Me                 Genre: Drama, Romance Rating: PG-13 (for violence, sexual content, language, and smoking) Synopsis: A rebellious young man (Robert Pattinson) has had a strained relationship with his father ever since tragedy separated their family. Not looking for love, he meets a girl (Emilie de Ravin) who heals and inspires him. Through their love, he begins to find happiness and meaning in his life. Discussion Questions: Why do tragedies seem so unjust? Why doesn’t God just prevent them from happening altogether? Read Psalm 73:21-28. What does this psalm’s author do with his grief? During tough times, what happens to your faith and reliance on God? Do you ever find meaning in hardship? Explain.   Twas The Day Before Easter Twas the day before Easter and all through the woods,The bunnies were busy packing all of their goods.The eggs were all colored so pretty and bright,All things were "go" for the big, special night. The baskets were waiting, all decorated with care,In hopes that the Bunny soon would be there.The little ones were all tucked safe in their beds,While visions of Easter eggs rolled round in their heads. And I in my pj’s with the remote on my lap,Had just settled down for a quick little nap.When outside the window I heard a great noise,I sprang from my chair and crutched over some toys. Hip surgery aside, what was that sound? TP-ing youth I was sure would be found.But, leading the group with ears long and funnyWas a plump, all-white rabbit...That's right... the EASTER BUNNY! Bunnies hopped past, one, two, three, four,The rabbit called out and then there were more."Come, Peter!, Come,Flopsy!, Come, Benny!, Come, Joe!Now hop along! Hop along! Hop along! GO!" As I stepped from my window I heard a loud sound.Through the door came the rabbit with a leap and a bound.He was furry and soft from his head to his feet.To see him so close was really quite neat. He uttered no sound as he hopped all about,Hiding the eggs and leaving no doubt,That the Easter bunny had come like he does every year...Bringing baskets of happiness to children so dear. The bunny and Easter seem so far apart, It’s not such a jump when you think from the heart. It’s a gift that is given so freely away, Forgiveness for all who claim Him today. May God bless you at Easter, and keep you all the year through.May God give you the faith to make your dreams come true. May His love and wisdom always guide you on your way.May His light shine down upon you and bless your Easter Day.