MATTHEW 18.15-35
So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart. V. 35
Even though we know it is something that God has called us to do, forgiveness is hard. In this passage Jesus doesn’t tell us to ignore it when someone sins against us, but rather go and tell your brother his fault. Often times this is hard to do because no one likes to admit they are wrong. Jesus says if they won’t listen to bring two or three more people and then finally the church. It is really a mission of mercy, to help someone get out of the sin they are caught in. Sin is such a big problem that we cannot afford to let it go. Not only do we need to address the sin of others, we need to forgive from our side. When Jesus is asked how many times we need to forgive, Jesus tells a parable. This parable reminds us that God has forgiven us so much already, that it would be unthinkable for us to not forgive others.
1. What part of the text or sermon had the greatest impact on you? Where were you most encouraged, intrigued, challenged?
2. Have you ever had to approach someone about their sin? How did it go? Is there someone who has sinned against you that you need to talk to?
3. Why is it so difficult to forgive? What excuses do we most often use for now forgiving?
4. Is there someone that you need to forgive? Are you holding resentment and bitterness toward that person? Is there someone you have sinned against that you need to make right?
5. Take a minute to reflect on your own sin. Have you accepted God’ forgiveness for your sin? Have you let go of the need to earn God’s forgiveness? How does this motivate you to forgive those who haven’t earned your forgiveness?