Group Resource
Let’s Talk Notes – Week of November 11, 2012
Message: "Forgive, As You Have Been Forgiven"
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-14
1) During the winter, what activity do you find most relaxing?
2) As you reflect back on last weekend’s sermon, what one principle or insight stands out as being particularly helpful, insightful or difficult to grasp?
3) In your own words, summarize what it means to you that God forgave you of all of your sins. How would your life be different if God withheld his forgiveness towards you?
4) Pick one individual in the Bible who inspires you by their demonstration of forgiveness towards others. What do you like about their story?
e.g., Esau and Jacob. (Genesis 33:4–15); Joseph (Genesis 45:8–15); Moses (Numbers 12:1–13); David (2 Sam 19:18–23); Solomon (1 Kings. 1:52, 53); Jesus (Luke 23:34); Stephen (Acts 7:59-60); Paul (2 Timothy 4:16) and the Prodigal’s Father (Luke 15:21-24)
5) What is your biggest challenge in exercising forgiveness towards others whom have wronged you? What kind of offense do you find most difficult to forgive?
6) Read Matthew 6:14-15. How does unforgiveness affect our relationship with God? How can unforgiveness affect us physically, emotionally, or spiritually? Have you struggled in any of these areas because of unforgiveness? If so, what has held you back from forgiving others?
7) How does forgiveness lead to restoration and reconciliation? What does Biblical reconciliation look like? How are Godly sorrow and restitution a part of the process of reconciliation?
8) How would you advise Mary about how to walk in forgiveness and reconciliation? (Please advise Mary using a biblical approach!)
Everybody loves Jason. The consensus is that his perceived spiritual maturity and humble servant’s heart have been an encouragement to many. He is an elementary school teacher and often volunteers for Mars Hill Fellowship Church. Jason and his girlfriend, Mary, are planning to get married in the next year.
Late one afternoon Mary was cleaning her car and noticed a receipt that belonged to Jason from a strip club. It was unmistakable. She confronted Jason and after a week of arguments, denials and threats, Jason finally came clean. He is addicted to pornography. Mary was devastated.
Jason did repent of his sin to Mary and they sought counseling. One year later, Mary is still unwilling to forgive Jason. She is angry, critical, bitter, self-justifying and self-righteous.
What should she do? What things are preventing Mary from walking in forgiveness? What should Jason and Mary’s relationship look like now? After she forgives him, should they still get married?
adapted from: http://biblicalcounselingcoalition.org/blogs/2011/08/18/the-power-of-un-forgiveness-a-case-study/
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