Life Group Resources: Forgive...As We Forgive

OPENING PRAYER (2-3 minutes)
Begin your time together with prayer, asking God to:

Open hearts to difficult conversations about forgiveness
Reveal areas where healing is needed
Grant wisdom and grace as you discuss together

ICEBREAKER (5-10 minutes)
Question: What's something small that someone did for you recently that you appreciated? How did you respond?

This lighter question helps the group warm up before diving into the heavier topic of forgiveness.

SERMON RECAP (5 minutes)
Key Points:

Peter asked Jesus how many times we should forgive (suggesting seven times)
Jesus answered "77 times" - meaning we should stop counting
The parable shows a servant forgiven an enormous debt who refuses to forgive a small debt
God forgives us an unpayable debt; we're called to extend that same forgiveness to others
Forgiveness doesn't mean forgetting or accepting toxic behavior
Holding grudges imprisons us; forgiveness sets us free

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
Understanding the Scripture (10-15 minutes)
Why do you think Peter suggested "seven times" as a reasonable limit for forgiveness? What does this tell us about human nature?
In the parable, the king forgives an absurd amount of debt (essentially $20 million). What is Jesus trying to communicate about God's forgiveness toward us?
The forgiven servant immediately refuses to forgive a fellow servant a trivial debt. Why do you think Jesus makes the contrast so extreme? What point is he making?
The sermon mentioned that Jesus uses the word "debt" to describe sin because sin weighs on us like financial debt does. How does thinking of sin as "debt" change or deepen your understanding of forgiveness?

Personal Reflection (15-20 minutes)
The sermon shared a story about two sisters who didn't speak for 10 years over an argument. Have you ever experienced a relationship where a small conflict grew into something much larger because it wasn't addressed? What happened?
"Forgive us our debts AS WE forgive our debtors" links God's forgiveness of us with our forgiveness of others. Why do you think Jesus connected these two things so directly? How does this challenge you?
The sermon stated: "Forgiveness is hard because the hurt was real." Share about a time when forgiveness felt especially difficult. What made it so hard?
The pastor mentioned people who apologize but continue the same harmful behavior. How do we balance Jesus's call to forgive "77 times" with the need for healthy boundaries?

Going Deeper (10-15 minutes)
The sermon said, "Forgiveness is not forgetting or putting ourselves back in unsafe or toxic situations." How do we distinguish between:
Forgiveness that leads to reconciliation
Forgiveness that requires distance and boundaries
"Withholding forgiveness costs us more than it costs the one who hurt us." Do you agree with this statement? How have you seen unforgiveness affect someone (perhaps yourself)?
The sermon described forgiveness as "both a choice and a process." What does this mean practically? How can we forgive when we don't feel forgiving?

KEY TAKEAWAYS
✓ God's forgiveness toward us is extravagant and limitless - we could never repay what we owe

✓ Forgiven people are called to be forgiving people - we can't receive grace with open hands and then close our fists toward others

✓ Forgiveness is releasing our grip on the debt owed to us - it's letting go of bitterness and entrusting justice to God

✓ Forgiveness doesn't mean tolerating abuse - we can forgive from a distance while maintaining healthy boundaries

✓ Holding grudges imprisons us; forgiveness sets us free - resentment weighs us down and prevents us from moving forward

✓ Forgiveness is a process, not just a one-time event - it's a faith-filled practice that may take time

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

This Week's Challenge:

Choose ONE of the following practices to engage with this week:

OPTION 1: Pray the Lord's Prayer Intentionally
Each day this week, slowly pray the Lord's Prayer
When you reach "forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors," pause
Ask God: "Who do I need to forgive?" and "What do I need to ask forgiveness for?"
Journal what comes to mind

OPTION 2: Write a Letter (You May Not Send)
Think of someone you're holding resentment toward
Write them a letter expressing:
How they hurt you (be honest)
Your choice to release them from that debt
Your desire to move forward
You can decide whether to send it, but the act of writing can be healing

OPTION 3: Take One Step Toward Reconciliation
If there's a broken relationship where reconciliation is safe and possible
Take one small step: send a text, make a call, or write a note
You don't have to resolve everything at once - just begin

OPTION 4: Release a Grudge
Identify one grudge you've been carrying
Each day this week, when it comes to mind, pray: "God, I release [name] to you. Help me let go of this resentment."
Notice how this practice affects your heart over time

OPTION 5: Seek Forgiveness
Is there someone you've wronged who you need to ask for forgiveness?
Reach out this week with a sincere apology
Don't make excuses - simply acknowledge the hurt and ask for forgiveness
ACCOUNTABILITY QUESTIONS

What is one specific area where you're struggling to forgive?
How can this group support you in that struggle?
Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness?
Which practical application will you commit to this week?

CLOSING REFLECTION (5 minutes)
Read together:
"This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart." - Matthew 18:35

Reflect silently for 1-2 minutes:

What is God saying to you about forgiveness right now?
What's one thing you need to do in response?

CLOSING PRAYER
Invite group members to share brief prayer requests related to forgiveness (either needing to forgive or needing to seek forgiveness). Close with prayer, specifically asking God to:

Help us receive the fullness of God's forgiveness
Give us courage to forgive those who have hurt us
Grant wisdom about boundaries when needed
Heal broken relationships where possible
Free us from the prison of bitterness and resentment