More than a Feeling
Kris Brenes
Part of We Run as One
November 29, 2021

Unity cannot exist in an environment of unresolved offense.

Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. 15 See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. —Hebrews 12:14-15

  • Bitterness is unresolved hurt that grows in the soil of a wounded heart.
  • Bitterness is a hidden destroyer.
  • Bitterness poisons others.

With whom are you carrying hurt and unforgiveness?

Reveal Answer

Forgiveness is the path to freedom.

  • Betrayal – Luke 22:4

  • False accusation – Luke 23:14-15

  • Rejection – Matthew 26:56

  • Abuse – John 19:1-3

  • Humiliation – Luke 23:33-34

Forgiveness is not an option for followers of Christ.

Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians4:31-32

Forgiveness is a decision and a process.

The process of forgiveness…

  • Process your hurt.

  • Shift your focus from what’s been done to you to what’s been done for you.

  • Pray for those who hurt you. Luke 6:28 NLT

  • Forgive as you’ve been forgiven.

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. —Ephesians 4:32

Discipleship Guide

Let’s Connect

  • What pet peeve do you have that most frequently causes you to become frustrated with people?

Let’s Talk About It

Offense is an unwanted part of life all of us will experience. In the moments when we’re hurt, how we respond plays a big part in determining the direction of our lives. Hurt that is carried and nurtured becomes fertile soil for bitterness to grow. Forgiveness is both a decision and a process. We choose to forgive, but the healing process may take time. We gain the power to forgive when we cooperate with the Holy Spirit and shift our focus from what others have done to us to what Christ has done for us. As we pray for those who have hurt us, God changes our hearts towards them. The forgiven forgive others.

Proverbs 22:3; Hebrews 12:14-15; Luke 22:4; Luke 23:14-15; Matthew 26:56; John 19:1-3; Luke 23:33-34; Ephesians 4:31-32; Luke 6:28

  • Which part of the message made an impact, caught your attention or challenged you?

  • Read Hebrews 12:15. How have you seen bitterness cause trouble for the one who carried hurt and for others? How have you seen bitterness rob people from fully experiencing or enjoying life opportunities?

  • Jesus experienced betrayal, false accusation, rejection, abuse, humiliation yet chose forgiveness. Which one(s) have you experienced, and feel are especially challenging to overcome? Why?

  • Read Ephesians 4:31-32. How have you been set free by the power of God’s forgiveness? How does the forgiveness you’ve received from God empower you to forgive those who’ve hurt you?

  • Discuss the process of forgiveness. Is there unresolved hurt or bitterness that you need to address? What step can you take to implement this process to forgive those who have hurt you? How can this group support you?

Take a Step

  • Who do you need to forgive? What’s your action plan to begin the process?
  • SOAP reading: Download the Grace Honolulu app to view this week’s SOAP reading. It’s in the “Bible” section at the bottom banner of the app.

Here’s My Prayer

God, You love us so well. Thank You for always forgiving me, even when I don’t deserve it. Holy Spirit, show me any bitterness in my life. Reveal to me, anyone with whom I’m harboring hurt and resentment and give me the strength to show compassion and forgiveness to them. In Jesus’ name, amen.