GROW GROUP QUESTIONS Announcement: Please take time in your group to fill out the Grow Group survey. You can find the link here. Thank you! Icebreaker: How did your parents handle fights between you and your siblings? Sermon Discussion - Matthew 18:15-20
How does the sermon’s definition of forgiveness as “releasing the expectation of repayment or punishment” resonate with your understanding of forgiveness?
Matthew outlines “steps” toward reconciliation. Which of these steps do you find most challenging, and why?
Pastor Steve shared that step 1 is not mandated to protect the reputation of the sinner but to protect the reputation of Christ.
How does missing this foundation cause us to misunderstand how to walk this step?
Forgiveness is not a set formula but a process requiring Biblical wisdom and the Holy Spirit's guidance.
What makes us want the “formula” to be followed step by step?
Going Deeper
Read Proverbs 12:16, 19:11, and 20:3. What is the balance between confronting an offense (Matt 18) and choosing to overlook it?
Why can it be wise to overlook an offense?
Are there times when one is more appropriate than the other?
How do you know which to choose?
Jesus taught that forgiveness should have no limits and be granted without reserve. How do you feel about this standard?
Is it always possible or necessary for forgiveness to be granted by the one offended?
How does personal forgiveness relate to your relationship with God?
How does a lack of forgiveness in your heart affect your spiritual health?
Prayer Time: Ask the Lord to reveal where you may be harboring unforgiveness and to grant you the courage to go to the one who caused the offense. Reminder for next week- Read Matthew 15:21-26 (And surrounding verses)
Merry Christmas & Happy New Year!
Our offices are closed from December 23 to January 1.