Dear Friends,

Nothing will delude, destroy, and distort your life with God than failing to fully forgive. Forgiveness is a simple idea, but few people live in the peace and freedom that Jesus called for.

The reason is we do not practice simple forgiveness is often the result of forgetfulness, ignorance or culture.

This Sunday we will learn again why, what, who and when simple forgiveness is a matter of life and death.
I pray you will make this time of community gathering a priority.

Blessings,
Joe

Please read the scriptures and consider the following questions.

 

Colossians 3:9 Do not lie to one another since you laid aside the old self with its evil practices,

Colossians 3:10 and have put on the new self who is being renewed to a true knowledge according to the image of the One who created him.

Colossians 3:11 a renewal in which there is no distinction between Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave and freeman, but Christ is all and in all.

Colossians 3:12 So, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.

Colossians 3:13 bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you.

Colossians 3:14 Beyond all these things put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.

Colossians 3:15 Let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body; and be thankful.                                                                           

Ephesians 4:29 Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear.

Ephesians 4:30 Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.

Ephesians 4:31 Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice.

Ephesians 4:32 Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

 

What makes forgiveness most challenging for you?

 

 

Describe an experience where you received forgiveness and how it affected you.

 

 

Why is it not always wise or necessary to tell others you forgive them?

Luke 23:34 But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing up His garments among themselves.

 

 

How is worship affected by an unwillingness to forgive and try to resolve things with others?

Matthew 5:22 “But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother shall be guilty before the court; and whoever says to his brother, ‘You good-for-nothing,’ shall be guilty before the supreme court; and whoever says, ‘You fool,’ shall be guilty enough to go into the fiery hell.

Matthew 5:23 “Therefore if you are presenting your offering at the altar, and there remember that your brother has something against you,

Matthew 5:24 leave your offering there before the altar and go; first be reconciled to your brother, and then come and present your offering.

 

How does God forgive you?

 

 

How does bitterness develop and defile whole families and churches?

Hebrews 12:14 Pursue peace with all men, and the sanctification without which no one will see the Lord.
Hebrews 12:15 See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it, many be defiled.

 

 

What is harder, forgiving others or forgiving yourself? Why?

 

 

What is the difference between granting forgiveness and feeling forgiving?

 

 

When are you commanded to forgive and why?

Ephesians 4:26 BE ANGRY, AND yet DO NOT SIN; do not let the sun go down on your anger,
Ephesians 4:27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.

 

 

How does resentment affect your prayer life?

Mark 11:25 “Whenever you stand praying, forgive if you have anything against anyone so that your Father who is in heaven will also forgive you your transgressions.
Mark 11:26 [“But if you do not forgive, neither will your Father who is in heaven forgive your transgressions.”]

 

 

What is harder asking for forgiveness or granting forgiveness?

 

 

 

How do you know when you have truly forgiven someone?

 

 

 

How much unforgiveness does it take to ruin your fellowship with God?