This week we will be talking about forgiveness and reconciliation: Why are we called to forgive and to reconcile? Do we need to be careful when we reconcile and forgive with people who do not hold themselves a biblical standard? What gives us the power to reconcile and forgive? What is God’s nature regarding sin, forgiveness, and reconciliation?
1. Consider again this list of “9 Things Forgiveness is Not.” What do you think that each bullet point means? Do you agree with it? Would you add to this list? Can you think of scripture to back up your ideas?
1. FORGIVENESS IS NOT DENYING, APPROVING, OR DIMINISHING SIN THAT IS COMMITTED AGAINST US.
2. FORGIVENESS IS NOT NAÏVETÉ.
3. FORGIVENESS IS NOT ENABLING SIN.
4. FORGIVENESS IS NOT WAITING FOR SOMEONE TO ACKNOWLEDGE SIN, APOLOGIZE, AND REPENT.
5. FORGIVENESS IS NOT FORGETTING ABOUT SIN COMMITTED AGAINST US.
6. FORGIVENESS IS NOT NO LONGER FEELING THE PAIN OF THE TRANSGRESSION.
7. FORGIVENESS IS NOT A ONE-TIME EVENT.
8. FORGIVENESS IS NOT RECONCILIATION.
9. FORGIVENESS IS NOT NEGLECTING JUSTICE.
2. Romans 12:14-21.
a. Romans 12:20. Consider the quotation from Proverbs 25:21-22 about heaping burning coals. What does this mean?
b. Discuss Romans 12:18. Note that this verse begins with, “If it is possible…”
3. Matthew 10:16-20. Reconciliation and forgiveness with non-Christians can be tricky business. Have you ever been open/honest, acting in good faith to reconcile or forgive and had your words used against you? Should we expect this to happen? Do we show weakness and vulnerability when we forgive and reconcile (at least, according to the world’s standards)? Consider 2 Corinthians 12:9-10.
4. Matthew 5:43-48. Is forgiveness part of our testimony and witness?
5. 2 Corinthians 5:15-21, Colossians 3:13. Why do we reconcile? What gives us the power to reconcile?
6. Read and discuss the parable of the Unmerciful Servant (Matthew 18:21-35).
7. Ezekiel 18:23. What does this reveal about the nature of God?
8. John 20:23. Do we believe we are given real power to forgive through the Spirit?
9. 2 Corinthians 5:2-11. Is dealing with forgiveness as a Body different than as individuals? How does Satan come into the picture?
Tying it together:
How do the themes of being the Body of Christ, Honesty and Openness, Dealing with Conflict, Encouragement, and Forgiveness and Reconciliation relate to each other?
Being the Body of Christ: Why are we called to forgiveness within the Body of Christ? (Consider 1 Corinthians 12:14-20).
Honesty and Openness: Romans 12:18. “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Are there times to be careful with how open you are after someone has lost your trust? (Consider Proverbs 4:23).
Dealing with Conflict: How does the way and order in which we deal with conflict (Matthew5:21-26, Matthew 18:15-20, Ephesians 4:25-28) pertain to reconciliation and forgiveness?
Encouragement: Are we able to encourage each other when there is not forgiveness or reconciliation? Do we need encouragement and support from our brothers and sisters as we seek to forgive and reconcile?
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