Forgiven People Forgive People

In one paragraph

This was a topical message on forgiveness, prompted by two verses in Hebrews 12 about coming short of God's grace and the root of bitterness. The pastor worked through a practical framework he has used in premarital counseling for years, applying it to the whole congregation. The sermon was paired with Communion, and he invited everyone to bring anything they were holding before they took the...

Read together

1. 1 John 4:4 quoted before singing: 'the one who is in you is greater than the one who is in the world'
2. Hebrews 12:14 pursue peace with all men and pursue sanctification without which no one will see the Lord
3. Hebrews 12:15 see to it that no one comes short of the grace of God and no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble and by it many be defiled
4. Romans 8:28 God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God and are called according to his purpose
5. Romans 8:29 predestined to become conformed into the image of his Son
6. Ephesians 2:8-10 saved by grace through faith not of works so none can boast, we are his workmanship created in Christ Jesus for good works
7. 1 John 1:9 if you confess your sins he is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse from all unrighteousness
8. Ephesians 4:32 forgiving one another just as God in Christ has forgiven you, cited as the standard for forgiveness
9. Mark 11:25 when you stand praying if you hold anything against anyone forgive them so your father in heaven may forgive you your sins

Talk about it

1. The pastor described 'the we' as God's workshop, the place where He does His most profound work in us. Where have you seen that to be true in your own relationships, and what did it cost you to stay in 'the we' rather than retreating to your inner room?
2. The pastor said that hurt people hurt people, but that forgiven people forgive people. What does it look like in practice to let your own experience of being forgiven by God change the way you treat someone who has hurt you?
3. When talking about sins we have committed, the pastor said that receiving God's cleansing is often the hardest part, because the weight of our sin makes it seem too good to be true that Christ actually took the punishment. Have you found that to be true, and what has helped you trust that and receive it?
4. The pastor said that forgiveness is volitional, that you make a choice to forgive before the feeling goes away, and that waiting on the feeling may mean waiting forever. What makes that kind of decision so difficult, and what has helped you make it or get stuck making it?
5. The pastor mentioned throwing away a box of evidence he had been carrying against someone for years and said he should have done it long ago. What does it look like for you personally to let go of any expectation for restitution, and where do you find yourself still holding on?