32 | Matthew 18
Scripture:
Primary Text: Matthew 18:21-35
Supplemental Text: Matthew 5:23-26, Matthew 6:9-13, 2 Corinthians 5:18-21, Ephesians 2:13-22, Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13
Observations & Applications:
- Is it hard for you to say I’m sorry? Why or why not?
- What is the connection between our pride and unforgiveness?
- Identify the people in this parable. Which person do you relate to the most, and how does this influence the way you understand the story?
- What are some ways you tend to express yourself when you are holding a grudge or harboring unforgiveness against someone?
- How does Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness challenge these expressions?
- What are some ways we are tortured due to unforgiveness in our own heart?
- According to this verse, where does sincere forgiveness come from?
- What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?
- Does forgiveness seem more attainable apart from reconciliation?
Prayer:
Lord, please help me to have the courage to forgive as You have forgiven me. Thank you for the grace and forgiveness You have shown me. Help me to extend that to others freely. Give me clarity where I have confused reconciliation and forgiveness in relationships and help me to find freedom from the torture of unforgiveness in my heart.
Key Words:
Forgiveness: a decisive action that involves pardoning an offender; Greek translation: “to let go”
Reconciliation: the process of two parties coming to peace with each other after becoming estranged; the end of the estrangement between God and humanity that is caused by original sin
Resources:
Forgiving What You Can’t Forget by Lysa TerKeurst
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