Forgive me God?

Resentment. The definition from the dictionary reads, “bitter indignation at having been treated unfairly.” Though understandable, it’s deadly. Both physically and spiritually. Read Job 5:2 and 36:13. The point of Jamie’s sermon was to have courage to let go of resentment, understanding it can take us down, and hurts US the most.

“Holding on to resentment is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” Read Hebrews 12:15. When you pray, do you mean it when you say, “God forgive my sins as I forgive people who sin against me?” We see in the book of 2 Samuel another turning point in David’s life. Read 2 Samuel 16:5-11. David showed grace! He refused to strike back. What are some pros of keeping your mouth shut and ignoring a situation similar to David’s? Discuss.

“It takes grace and courage to go against the world’s advice and listen instead to the Word of God.” Read Colossians 3:13. Jamie mentioned it’s a great verse but tough to obey. King David also ignores the advice about getting revenge. In a great turning point of grace, he forgives. Read 2 Samuel 19:22-23. Archibald Hart said, “Forgiveness is surrendering my right to hurt you for hurting me.” Name a time when you were hurt greatly and forgave that person. How did you do it and why? Explain.

Forgiveness is for the person harboring the resentment. Forgiveness is best for you. Read Ephesians 4:26-27. Don’t wait to settle differences. Even Jesus said in Matthew to settle your differences quickly. Why is it best to settle things quickly instead of later? Explain. In 1 Corinthians, it says love keeps no record of wrongs. What does that mean? Why does it matter if we keep records of wrongs or not? Discuss.

Read Proverbs 19:11. Don’t expect people to be perfect. Jamie said that people aren’t all good or all bad. Understand when the Bible says we’re all sinners! Romans 3:10 says no one is righteous, not even one. Somebody said, “If you want to build long friendships, you have to have a short memory.” People will make mistakes, expect it. Don’t hold a grudge forever. Agnes Sanford said, “As we practice the work of forgiveness, we discover more and more that forgiveness and healing are one.”

Don’t forget how much you’ve been forgiven. Read Ephesians 4:32. Stay off the judgment seat. Read Romans 12:17-19. It’s not your job or place. Trust Him to take care of it. Show kindness and be big enough to forgive. “We’re most like God when we forgive.” Close in prayer asking God to help Christians to be more like Him, letting go and trusting His plan.