Bible Study
Don't just take our word for it . . . take His! We would encourage you to spend time examining the following Scriptures that shaped this sermon: Proverbs 17:14, 19:11, Col 3:12-17.
Sermon Notes
Overlooking an offense is a practical and powerful tool in biblical peacemaking
The precondition of overlooking is to be slow to anger. To cultivate a "slow-to-anger" response, consider these suggestions:express your anger in healthy and safe ways
remember your own faults (log and speck - Matt 7)
remember God's character – he is slow to anger
Overlooking is not always the right responseextreme offenses or injustices should not be overlooked – such as physical or verbal abuse
Sins which do damage to that person, to you, or to someone else should not be overlooked
Overlooking is not excusing a wrong
Overlooking is an active response of choosing to forgive the offense without conversation or confrontation
Overlooking is not keeping a record of wrongs to use it against a person later
Overlooking means not telling other people about the offense
Suggestions for practicing overlookingbe practical – it takes a lot of time and emotional energy to prolong a conflict
Stop the internal debate – overlooking means you do not have to figure out who was right and who was wrong, you can simply apply grace
discipline your emotions – hurt feelings, anger, and annoyance are real emotions. Don't deny them, but discipline them rather than letting them keep you from walking in obedience
remember God's mercy – he does not bring up all of our wrongs but allows his grace to cover over a multitude of our sins
Sermon Application
Why is undisciplined anger a barrier for overlooking an offense?
What are some additional practices for safely dealing with anger?
Is it easy for you to recognize your own faults? What might help you better see your own shortcomings?
When is overlooking not the right response?
Is overlooking excusing a wrong?
Describe some of the practical benefits of overlooking?
Describe a conflict you had when overlooking would have been the best response.For more on the topic of Biblical peacemaking, check out The Peacemaker by Ken Sande.
Questions?
Do you have a question about today's sermon? Email Randy Forrester ([email protected]).