Matthew 18:21-35

BIG IDEA: Forgiveness is hard, yet freeing.

“Stop beating yourself up because of your past bad decisions. No one's past is spotless. Learn from your past and start over. God's mercies are endless." -Terraine Francois

1. Forgiveness is a Priority

Ephesians 4:31-32

Everyone has the right to be bitter, but none of us can afford to be bitter.

Matthew 6:12

2. With Forgiveness Comes Freedom

Matthew 6:14-15

“Forgiveness is an act of the will, and the will can function regardless of the temperature of the heart.” - Corrie Ten Boom

“When you initially forgive, it is like letting go of a hot iron. There is initial pain and the scars will show, but you can start living again.” - Stephen Richards

Want freedom from your feelings?

Pray for your offenders. 

3. Restoration is a process, forgiveness is NOT.

“When forgiveness is seen as a work in progress, it seldom becomes a work in practice.” - Nancy Leigh DeMoss

There are no boundaries to forgiveness.

There are boundaries to relationships.

Response:

• Allow yourself to be healed of the pain of being wronged

• Choose to forgive

• Walk in Forgiveness

DISCOVERY BIBLE STUDY

► This week's passage: Genesis 50:15-21

► Connection questions:

1. What are you thankful for?

2. What is a challenge you are facing?

3. How did you do with last week’s “I will” statement?

► Have at least one member of the group restate the passage in their own words

► Individual answers to five questions:

1. What stands out to you?

2. What does this passage tell us about people?

3. What does this passage tell us about God?

4. Based on the passage, what is one thing I could do differently starting now and what would happen if I did? (each person commits to their action for one week using an “I will…” statement)

5. Who are you going to tell about what you discovered? (each person commits to having that conversation before the next meeting)