Sermon Recap

We will all experience hurt or be offended by others as we walk through life. What so many people don’t realize is that when we walk with unforgiveness in our hearts it actually chains us in bondage not them. The hurt itself is usually not the open door that places us in bondage, but our response to that hurt. When we fail to forgive those who have hurt us, we become wide-open targets for the enemy. When we don’t forgive, we continually allow the other person to hurt us over and over and over again. It's only when we truly forgive the other person and place them in the hands of God that we can be free.

Remember- we are not the judge anyway. God is the Just Judge. We can 100% trust that God will deal with them. That isn’t our job, that’s God’s job.

Forgiveness then is always an issue of obedience between you and God, not you and the other person. God wants you to walk in freedom and is willing to give you freedom right now. All you have to do is be obedient, trust Him, and choose forgiveness. It’s time to tear down the walls that have been separating you from God!

Key Scripture

Read through these passages together:

Matthew 6:14-15

Luke 6:36, 7:40-48, 18:9-14

Ephesians 4:32

2 Corinthians 2:10-11

Discussion Questions

Discuss together, pushing yourself toward transparency. The more we are authentic and humble with one another, the more we can grow in Christ.

Is there anyone toward whom I am holding unforgiveness?
Do I tend to think I am better than others? Have I realized how much God has forgiven me?
Was there a time when I truly let go of unforgiveness?
What were the effects of letting go? How did it change my life?

Prayer

Jesus, please forgive me of the unforgiveness I have held in my heart. I realize now that unforgiveness only hurts me and is an issue that separates me and you. Forgive me and restore my intimacy with you. I choose now to forgive everyone who has hurt me, and release them in the name of Jesus. I will no longer hold them accountable for their actions or words against me. I am not their judge, you are Lord! And I place them at your feet. I ask now that you would bless them in the name of Jesus.

Life Application

If you struggle with offering forgiveness I encourage you to get a blank sheet of paper out. Draw a line down the middle forming two columns. In the first column, write the person’s name the Holy Spirit has brought to your mind to forgive. There may be multiple people. In the second column, write down what they did and how it made you feel. Then ask the Holy Spirit to give you courage and begin to pray through your list forgiving each person for what they did. You can bury unforgiveness forever at the end of your prayer time by praying a prayer of blessing over those you just forgave! Enjoy your freedom!
Respond in obedience immediately. It may be later in the week that God might bring someone else to your mind that you need to forgive. Do it immediately, don't hesitate, show God how serious you are about wanting to walk with Him intimately without hindrance or restraint.

Week 6: Empty me of unforgiveness