Game Description
Use this Active Game as a discussion starter for youth on the topic of “forgiveness”. What does it mean to forgive? It can also be used as an Easter related activity to introduce youth to the resurrection of Christ and the forgiveness we receive as a result of His death on the cross.

Game Materials
For each group:

• a Chair
• Three of 4 rolls of toilet paper (The cheap rough kind is just fine!)
• Upbeat, active music to create an upbeat game atmosphere for the youth.
• Optionally, you can also use a stop watch to create a sense of urgency and emphasize the issue of time and speed.

Game Preparation
You can divide the youth into teams by sex, by school, by age group, or by randomly assigning numbers. Each team of youth should have a minimum of 3 participants. A nice number is 4 youth per team. You can also call for 4 representatives from each group and have the rest of the group as spectators to cheer them on.

Game Play

1. Ask the teams or team representatives to come to the front of the room.
2. Explain that one member of each team should sit in the chair while the other three youth will attempt to completely wrap him/her with the toilet paper.
3. The goal of this game is to cover the youth that is seated in the chair completely so that no part of the body or clothing is showing.
4. The team to finish in the quickest time the winner. The Youth being wrapped must remain in place until all teams are finished and judges can verify the results.
5. If there are spectators, encourage them to cheer for their respective teams.

After the Game

1. Tell the seated youth to remain in place.
2. Examine each youth very carefully in front of the whole group. You will likely find part of an ear sticking out, or a nose, or foot, a shirt collar or something not covered.
3. Point out to all the youth what is not covered.

Game Discussion: Take it to the Next Level

In the Old Testament, one of the words we translate “forgive” (kaphar) actually means “to cover.” Just as we covered someone with the toilet paper, we are supposed to cover up whatever it is they did against us when we forgive them. We are to cover it up and put it out of sight and out of thought.

Unfortunately, many times our covering is only partial. We don’t cover up everything. There are a few little parts that we have a difficult time totally covering up. But like a wound that is not completely covered can become infected and fester, there are sometimes uncovered woulds of others which also can fester and cause decay in our relationships. It may only a small part that is uncovered, but it is just enough to remind us of the wrong they did. It is just enough to keep us from completely forgetting whatever it is they did to hurt us. It can turn into something that you might drag up later, further jeopardizing the relationship. When we cannot completely forget, we cannot completely forgive.

A friend of mind in youth ministry reminded me that in our human forgiveness we can cover the wounds, but only God can bring about true healing. And sometimes, healing takes time. But in the meantime we must still move on in life in spite of the pain and still act with forgiveness, all the while trusting God to bring about the healing we so desperately need.

When it is time to forgive someone, be sure to forgive that person completely. Cover up all of the transgression so that you can completely forgive. Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us that when we forgive others, God forgives us. Our own sins are also covered. (See also Romans 4:7-8, 1 Peter 1:18-19, I John 1:7, Psalm 85:2; Romans 4:7; I Peter 5:20) But the incredible part is that God not only covers over our sin completely, but he cleanses us from all sin and unrighteousness. He covers us in the blood of Christ and cleanses and heals us.

Take a moment to examine the relationships in your own life. Are there any relationships where you have been hurt and you have not yet forgiven the person? Are there relationships where you need to seek or grant forgiveness? Take a moment of prayer to lift these relationships and the events up to God. Place it in God’s hands for his healing and then start living as if the transgression did not occur. Start living a life of true forgiveness in your relationship with this person. Let God;s love and forgiveness cover over the transgression. Ask Him to help you to show love and forgiveness in this relationship just as he has shown love and forgiveness to us.

Easter Discussion

After playing the game, leave the pile of wrappings on the floor from all the participants. Then explain:

When Christ was in the tomb he was also wrapped up. He was covered in burial wrappings. On the cross His blood was shed that all our sins might be covered in the Blood of Christ. Forgiveness was complete.

When the women went to the tomb all they saw was a pile of wrapping, much as we see here. (Point to the pile of wrappings on the floor) But in the time of Christ the wrappings were cloth instead of paper and may have included as much as 75 pounds of spices. And interestingly, the cloth that was used to wrap his head was folded up. Jesus had not been in a rush to leave. If the body had been stolen, as some might believe, why would the wrappings be left behind. Why would the thief take the time to fold the cloth covering Christ’s head?

But the most incredible thing about the resurrection story was not the wrappings that were left behind, but instead was the fact that God’s forgiveness of us was now complete. The blood of bulls and sacrifices was never able to truly cover our sin. Only the blood of Christ, God’s only Son could do that. And the most incredible thing about it is we are not only covered, we are cleansed and we are healed. Forgiveness is complete. And because of this complete forgiveness we must also forgive others in the same way.

If you have not sought the forgiveness of Christ, Now is the time to do so. You can find complete forgiveness for all of the sin in your life.

“God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” Romans 5:8

“If you confess with your mouth the Lord Jesus and believe in your heart that God has raised Him from the dead, you will be saved.” Romans 10:9

Jesus said, “…he who hears My word and believes in Him who sent Me has everlasting life, and shall not come into judgment, but has passed from death into life. John 5:24

“Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God. For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.” 2 Corinthians 5:20-21

“Now may the God of peace Himself sanctify you completely; and may your whole spirit, soul, and body be preserved blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. He who calls you is faithful, who also will do it.” 1 Thessalonians 5:23

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