If you struggle to forgive people in your life, ask yourself these three simple questions.
Talking Points:
- Question #1: What is your motivation for not forgiving someone? You may only be focused on yourself without consideration of others. Matthew 18:21-22
- Question #2: Do you really understand grace? Grace means “gift”. If you’re waiting for someone to be worthy of your forgiveness, you’re thinking about it wrong. Colossians 3:13
- Question #3: Is your sin really different? If you only put yourself in the place of a victim, you’ll only ever know half of the story. Remember that you are also a sinner.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- If you can, share about a time when someone hurt you with their words or actions. How did it affect your life? On a scale of 1-10, how hard was it to forgive that person? Explain.
- Think about someone who hurt you. Do you think that person is at peace with what they’ve done? Explain.
- How have you seen unforgiveness and bitterness destroy people’s lives?
- Read Matthew 18:21-22. “You have the right to be healed.” Do you agree? Do you need the offender to ask for forgiveness before you can heal? Why or why not?
- Do you think you will hurt other people if you remain bitter and refuse to forgive? Explain. Why is forgiveness a costly gift?
- Read Colossians 3:13. Do you think forgiveness can set you free? What will it take to get there?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
