Faith - Part 8: "Faith to Forgive"

Perhaps the most controversial thing that Jesus did in His life on earth was to forgive the sins of others. It was the most powerful and important miracle he performed. He gave His disciples and us that power, but it takes faith and the Holy Spirit to forgive the way that Jesus forgave. Often, we feel that we deserve immediate forgiveness, but are slow to give it to others. Through faith, we are able to look like Jesus with the way that we give and receive forgiveness. Key Verses: Matt. 16:19, 18:15-20, Luke 6:27-28, 32-33, 36-38, 17:3-10, John 20:19-23 1. What would it matter if you never won another argument? Does that bother you? Why? 2. Jesus gave us the power to forgive others, but we often choose to hold grudges and even rally with others when we feel we have been wronged. Have you ever been in this type of situation? How does the conversation and attitude of a group like that differ from one focused on forgiveness? How does it impact your attitude towards others to be in a group like that? 3. Luke 6:38 says that “with the measure you use, it will be measured back to you.” What does that mean? Do you have situations in your life currently or in your past where you would not want to be forgiven the way you forgave? 4. How are faith and forgiveness linked? 5. Thinking back to the prodigal son and his elder brother, when the brother chooses not to forgive, he becomes an outsider at the party the father is throwing. How have you seen unforgiveness isolate and damage the one holding onto the anger? 6. The story of the wicked servant in Matthew 18:15-35 seems so absurd to us, but when you really think about it, how are you like that servant?