Small Group Questions
Read Colossians 1:13-14, 20 and Romans 5:6-9
What do these verses tell us about the extent (measure) of God’s forgiveness?
How does God’s forgiveness through Christ serve as a model for the forgiveness we’re called to extend to others?
Consider the following quote: “After disciples experience grace, they manifest grace. But those who show no grace demonstrate that they have never tasted it. God forgives the repentant. If anyone knows what it cost God to forgive him, he will forgive others.” Daniel Doriani
How can understanding our own need for forgiveness change the way we view others who have wronged us?
Read Ephesians 4:30-32
What does this verse teach us about the relationship between the Holy Spirit and forgiveness?
What are some challenges you personally face when trying to forgive someone?
Illustration: Corrie ten Boom survived imprisonment in a Concentration Camp in Germany and later preached about God’s love and forgiveness. This was challenged when she met her former jailer.
How does her experience illustrate the concept of forgiving those who have wronged us?
What emotions did she experience when she met her former jailer, and how did they affect her actions?
What role does prayer play in the process of forgiveness, as illustrated by her experience?
In what ways can we depend on God’s enabling power to forgive those who have hurt us?
Read Matthew 18:21-27
Why do you think Peter asked the question?
How does this parable illustrate the measure of forgiveness Christians receive from God?
Read Matthew 18:28-35 and Matthew 6:14-15
What does Jesus teach about the extent and process of forgiveness?
Consider the following quote: “I found that I had to… (make) a daily commitment to forgive those who hurt me, and to forgive them totally. I therefore let them utterly off the hook and resigned myself to the knowledge that: (1) they wouldn’t get caught or found out; (2) nobody would ever know what they did; and (3) they would prosper and be blessed as though they had done no wrong. What is more, I actually willed this! I prayed for this! I asked God to forgive them. But I had to do it every day in order to keep the peace within my heart.” RT Kendall
What practical steps can we take to ensure we are truly forgiving others as commanded in Scripture?
How can we prepare our hearts to receive God’s love and forgiveness so that we can extend it to others?
What spiritual practices can help us develop a heart of forgiveness in our daily lives?
