Lesson/Week Five

By Anonymous -
Lesson/Week Five
Everyone needs compassion,
Love that's never failing;
Let mercy fall on me.

Everyone needs forgiveness,
The kindness of a Savior;
The Hope of nations.

Savior, He can move the mountains,
My God is Mighty to save,
He is Mighty to save. (Hillsong United, “Mighty to Save”)

Forgiveness is what we all need and forgiveness of our sins is what Jesus offers to us as we claim Him as Saviour and Lord. Forgiveness is also required of us towards others. Most of us have prayed the prayer from Matthew 6:9-13 (or just quoted it from memory during a church service). Now take a close look at verse 12, 14 and 15...
12 And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. 14 “For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 15 But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses (emphasis mine). If you are like me you haven’t thought too much about verses 12, 14 and 15.

Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary describes forgive as a transitive verb with the meaning -1a : to give up resentment of or claim to requital for <forgive an insult>; b : to grant relief from payment of <forgive a debt> 2: to cease to feel resentment against (an offender) : pardon <forgive one's enemies> This week we will study forgiveness (noun), the act of forgiving (adj) 1: willing or able to forgive 2: allowing room for error or weakness.

Bible Study
I Peter 4:8 (memory verse)
Matthew 6:9-15 (use Anne Graham-Lotz’ “Listen to His Voice” method of Bible Study)
Matthew 18:23-35 (ask God to reveal to you whom you are more like in this story)

What Others Are Saying
Chip Ingram’s R12 (Romans 12) Ministry offers a great look at “how to respond (not react) to those who offend you. Follow all four steps to the Main Message Video of Spirituality and the Take Action Video. (Be sure to print out notes and reflections page)

Prayer and Journaling
Spend time this week asking God to reveal to whom you need to forgive. As He reveals each one, forgive them and ask God to give you practical ways to do so. Take time to journal what is going on in your heart. Contact your trusted friend and share what God is doing.
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