SERMON NOTES, 9/17/23
At the Table with Others: Be Forgiving and Find Freedom
Ephesians 4:31-32
Individual & Group Reflection Questions
- What images come to your mind when you think of these two words: Forgiveness and Unforgiveness?
- The Big Idea this week is “With forgiveness comes freedom” How is this so? Ponder your own life experiences or those of others. How does forgiveness bring freedom to all involved?
- God’s Word tells us that God is forgiving. Read through Psalm 103:1-13 and 1 John 1:9. How do these passages specifically convey God’s forgiving nature? What parts of the text are you most drawn to and why? What is God’s role and our role in it?
- God’s Word also tells us that we should forgive like God? Reflect on these passages Matthew 6:12, 14-15, Ephesians 4:31-32. Why is this important and what happens if we don’t?
- When it comes to forgiving, which of these causes you to remain in “an unforgiving Spirit mode”?
-the pain of the sin inflicted upon you
-pride within you
-your need for power/control - Sometimes we need to know the right words to say in order to truly help the other person to forgive us. Gary Chapman has identified the 5 Apology Languages
-I’m sorry (regret)
-I was wrong (responsibility)
-I will try not to do that again by… (repentance)
-What can I do to make it up to you? (restitution)
-Will you forgive me? (request) - Which one or two apology languages do you need to hear when someone hurts you (click the link above to discover yours)? What do you think others (family, friends, coworkers) in your life need to hear when you have hurt them? How might knowing what to say help a current conflicted situation in your life?
Spiritual Practice: Spend time before the Lord in silence (2-4 minutes) and allow Him to rise up in you the answers to the following questions:
-Who do you need to ask for forgiveness?
-Who do you need to forgive?
-And what is your next step?