The tiny letter of Philemon has a big message! This week we look at the power of forgiveness.

1. Confession time! What’s something you did as a child that you were certain you’d never be forgiven if your siblings or parents found out?

2. “Why should I forgive someone who has deeply hurt me or someone that I love?” This is a question that all of us have probably wrestled with at some point in our lives. Read the following passages and spend some time discussing each of the points in depth.

   
   Why must we forgive?
   
   • To look more like Jesus | Luke 23:34
   
   • To avoid entrapment by Satan | 2 Corinthians 2:10-11
   
   • Because unforgiveness produces bitterness | Hebrews 12:15
   
   • To recognize an unpayable debt | Philemon 1:18-19
   
   • For the possibility of being a blessing | Philemon 1:20
   
   • Because it is an act of obedience | Philemon 1:21, Matthew 6:14-15

3. God says in Jeremiah 31:34, “For I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.” Fortunately for us, God does not hold our sin against us when we repent. However, as finite humans, we are not always capable of forgetting after we forgive. So how do we move forward and not use someone’s past against them. What does this look like on a practical level?

4. It’s important to remember that forgiveness is not tolerating sin. What does it look like to forgive someone without allowing them to continue to hurt you? Read Romans 12:17-21. How can this verse encourage us?

5. Discuss the statement, “Forgiveness doesn’t come with an ‘if.’” What is the danger when you allow your freedom from bitterness to be dependent on the other person’s response?

6. Reflect on a time you’ve had to go through the forgiveness process. If you feel comfortable, share with the group your story. Describe where you were before and where you are now.

7. Spend a couple minutes analyzing your life and see if you can identify an area where you struggle with forgiveness. End your time by praying for one other.