Memory Verse: … ‘Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.’ – Ephesians 4:32 (NIV).
Text: Matthew 18:21-35.
Spiritual Emphasis: You could read the Bible from cover to cover and conclude that it is all about forgiveness and love. Forgiveness is a gift and a choice for the hurting and is independent of the person who caused the pain. Forgiveness is in layers. There is the forgiveness we must receive from God because of our sins. The Bible also shows us that tied directly to the forgiveness we receive from God for our sins is our willingness to forgive each other. Forgiveness is essential if we are to grow as Christians.
What Does the Bible Say about Forgiveness?
All of us are in need of forgiveness – From a spiritual perspective, we were all born with a sin problem, eternally separated from God. We would be lost forever without the finished work of Christ on the cross, intervening and offering us forgiveness. For a moment, think about how many times you and I have messed up. Each time, when we truly come back to Him, God is always there with an open arm to offer forgiveness – Psalm 51:5; Luke 15:11-24; Isaiah 64:6; Romans 3:19-23.
Forgiving others is a prerequisite for our own forgiveness – God stands ready and willing to forgive us but asks that we extend the same forgiveness to others first. If we have resentment and bitterness in our hearts, it’s time to give it over to God. Let Him heal us and give us the ability to forgive. Our eternity is dependent on it. This may be a very difficult task. Pray and ask God to help, and give you the grace to forgive, pray for a humble attitude, ask God to forgive the person who hurt you – Matt. 6:14-15; Acts 7:60; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:13-15; Matthew 18:15-17.
Questions/Activities: People often say “forgive and forget.” Does this mean literally forgetting what happened? Please explain your answer.
Conclusion: The goal of forgiveness is not to make the forgiver (God) feel better, but to restore relationship. We forgive because by God’s grace, we were forgiven. We love, because Jesus loved us first and we want to live free from any chains. Jesus set the ultimate example of love, sacrifice and forgiveness. Through following Him, we really know the Truth and the Truth really sets us free.
Shalom! Self-Study: Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 17:9; Genesis 50:19-21; Mark 11:25; Luke 17:3-4; Colossians 3:12-13; Rom. 3:19-23; Prov. 17:9,14.
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