
The Relationship I Avoid
Mike Smith
May 11th, 2025
Romans 12:18 (CSB)
“If possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” —Romans 12:18 (CSB)
God’s Story is a story of
“Forgiveness is a form of voluntary suffering. In forgiving, rather than retaliating, you make a choice to bear the cost.” —Tim Keller
According to Jesus, forgiven people are a
According to Jesus, what He did for me
Why choose forgiveness?
For
For
For
Where is reconciliation needed in your own life?
In this powerful message, we’re challenged to confront the relationships we avoid and embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. The central theme revolves around God’s story of reconciliation, beautifully illustrated through Romans 5:8 - ‘while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.’ This profound act of grace sets the stage for our own journey of forgiveness. We’re reminded that as recipients of God’s boundless mercy, we’re called to be conduits of that same grace to others. The message draws a compelling parallel between our reconciliation with God and our relationships with others, emphasizing that we cannot truly carry both grace and grudges. This insight invites us to examine our hearts and consider where we might be holding onto resentment, blocking the flow of God’s love through us. As we reflect on this, we’re encouraged to take the courageous step towards forgiveness, not because it’s easy, but because it’s essential to our spiritual growth and our witness as followers of Christ.
Key Takeaways:
God’s story is a story of reconciliation.
We cannot carry grace and a grudge at the same time.
Forgiven people are forgiving people.
Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling.
Discussion Questions:
How does understanding God’s reconciliation with us through Christ impact how we view our relationships with others?
Pastor Mike said, “We cannot carry grace and a grudge at the same time.” How have you experienced this tension in your own life?
Reflect on the parable Jesus told about the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18). How does this story challenge our attitudes towards forgiveness?
What are some common misconceptions about forgiveness? How does this sermon address those?
Pastor Mike gave three reasons to choose forgiveness: for Jesus’ sake, for their sake, and for our sake. Which of these resonates most with you and why?
How does the act of forgiveness represent Christ to a watching world?
Share about a time when you struggled to forgive someone. What made it difficult? What helped you move towards forgiveness?
Practical Applications:
Reflection Exercise: Take some time this week to reflect on relationships where you might be holding onto unforgiveness. Write down specific steps you can take to move towards forgiveness.
Forgiveness Letter: Write a letter (you don’t have to send it) to someone you need to forgive, expressing your choice to forgive them. This can be a powerful exercise in releasing resentment.
Grace Reminder: Place a visual reminder (like a small cross or a meaningful object) somewhere you’ll see it daily to remind you of God’s grace and forgiveness towards you.
Prayer Focus: Commit to praying for someone who has wronged you, asking God to help you see them through His eyes and to give you the strength to forgive.