We began a brand-new series this week called Here We Go Again, where we are looking at habits and patterns that we often find ourselves stuck in that we cannot seem to break out of. This week, we are looking at unforgiveness, something that can take hold of us without us even realizing what it has done to us and our relationships. The world accepts unforgiveness and harboring anger, but God calls His people to something different: forgiveness, just as we have been forgiven.
What makes forgiveness extremely difficult for so many?
1. How does unforgiveness impact us and our relationships?
2. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Compare Peter’s understanding of forgiveness versus Jesus’ teaching about forgiveness.
Matthew 18:21-22
21 Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?” 22 “No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
3. Read Matthew 18:23-35. Summarize Jesus' teaching about forgiveness based on this passage of Scripture.
Matthew 18:23-35
23 “Therefore, the Kingdom of Heaven can be compared to a king who decided to bring his accounts up to date with servants who had borrowed money from him. 24 In the process, one of his debtors was brought in who owed him millions of dollars. 25 He couldn’t pay, so his master ordered that he be sold—along with his wife, his children, and everything he owned—to pay the debt. 26 “But the man fell down before his master and begged him, ‘Please, be patient with me, and I will pay it all.’ 27 Then his master was filled with pity for him, and he released him and forgave his debt. 28 “But when the man left the king, he went to a fellow servant who owed him a few thousand dollars. He grabbed him by the throat and demanded instant payment. 29 “His fellow servant fell down before him and begged for a little more time. ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it,’ he pleaded. 30 But his creditor wouldn’t wait. He had the man arrested and put in prison until the debt could be paid in full. 31 “When some of the other servants saw this, they were very upset. They went to the king and told him everything that had happened. 32 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. 33 Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ 34 Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. 35 “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.”
4. What is our motivation for forgiving, according to this passage of Scripture?
1. Do you find forgiveness easy or difficult? Why?
2. How does the teaching from Jesus that we studied today impact your understanding of forgiveness?
3. What is holding you back from forgiveness today?
Think for a moment about someone you need to forgive today. What would it look like to take a step toward forgiveness this week? Share that with your group. Commit to taking that step this week, and share with your group next week how it went as you took that step.
We know God calls His people to live a life of forgiveness, but for many of us, forgiveness is challenging. When forgiveness feels nearly impossible, we often need a reminder of exactly how and why we are to forgive the people around us. For the next few moments, take a deeper dive into Scripture’s call for Christ followers to forgive.
Our God is overflowing with forgiveness. When sin came into the world, and human beings broke God's heart, He made a plan to rescue us. He is always willing to forgive us when we turn to Him, repent, and ask Him for forgiveness. It is His forgiveness that compels us to forgive those around us.
1. Read Psalm 103:8-13.
Psalm 103:8-13.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love. 9 He will not constantly accuse us, nor remain angry forever. 10 He does not punish us for all our sins; he does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. 11 For his unfailing love toward those who fear him is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth. 12 He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west. 13 The Lord is like a father to his children, tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
2. What stands out to you about David’s description of God in this passage of Scripture?
3. How does David describe God’s forgiveness in this passage of Scripture?
4. How does the description of God and His forgiveness motivate you toward forgiving others?
When others have offended us and hurt us, their offenses against us are all we can think about. We can be so focused on our hurts and offenses that we forget that we, too, have messed up. We have offended others. We have broken God's heart. We have been and will be in need of forgiveness. When we remember that we all need forgiveness, we are motivated to forgive those around us, too.
1. Read Colossians 3:12-13.
Colossians 3:12-13
12 Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. 13 Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.
2. Summarize Paul’s instruction in this passage of Scripture.
3. Why are we called to forgive, according to this passage of Scripture?
4. How does this passage of Scripture motivate you toward forgiveness?
When others have mistreated us, said things that hurt us, and done things that offended us, forgiveness is not easy. In these moments when forgiveness feels impossible, we must remember God’s love. God loves every person on earth, even the people who have hurt us. Even more, God calls us to love. It is His love that motivates us to forgive and demonstrate God’s love by the way we forgive others.
1. Read 1 Peter 4:7-9.
1 Peter 4:7-9
7 The end of the world is coming soon. Therefore, be earnest and disciplined in your prayers. 8 Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.
2. Why does Paul call us to show love for each other, according to this passage of Scripture?
3. How does love play a role in forgiveness?
In our world today, unforgiveness comes naturally. We have to fight for forgiveness. Take a few moments to pray together. Ask God to help each one of you let go of unforgiveness and choose forgiveness instead. Commit to being people who are marked by forgiveness so that the world can see just a glimpse of our God, who is full of compassionate love and forgiveness.
©2024 Sagebrush Church
