Forgiveness: Why Learn to Forgive? | Joel K. Johnson | October 16, 2022 Why must I learn to forgive? • Because God has forgiven me. • Because resentment makes me miserable. • Because I’m going to need forgiveness again. Hard Questions about the Practice of Forgiveness: • Do I need to forgive someone who does not ask for forgiveness? • Does forgiving mean forgetting? • When should I forgive? Immediately or over time? Forgiveness: Why Learn to Forgive? | Joel K. Johnson | October 16, 2022 BIBLE READING PLAN Reading the Bible every day is a great way to grow in your faith. After you read, take time to journal or reflect on these questions: What does it say? What does it mean? How can I live this out today? On our website, under Publications, you can find online resources for reading through the Bible in one year: westwoodcc.org/publications What is something you are thankful for this week? What is something that has been challenging for you this week? Why? Read Matthew 18:21-35 Retell the parable in your own words (or choose someone in the group to retell the parable). Who are the main characters? Use your imagination, what would an equivalent scenario be today? What stands out to you from this parable? What does this parable teach us about God? (Father, Son, or Holy Spirit) What does this parable teach us about people? Do you find it easier to forgive someone for a wrong they’ve committed against you, or to accept someone else’s forgiveness when you’ve wronged them? Why? Have you experienced resentment when you haven’t forgiven someone you knew you needed to? What is the difference between forgiving and forgetting? Explain. Pastor Joel taught that forgiveness has an upward, inward, and outward focus (upward: embracing God’s forgiveness in your life, inward: the personal work of forgiving another, and outward: seeking reconciliation with others). Which do you find to be most difficult? Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Or is there someone in your life that you need to ask for forgiveness from? What steps do you need to take to embrace forgiveness in that given situation? Close in a time of prayer.Next >