“ Where are you at with Love? ” Lesson #7

“ Forgiveness ”

 

Intro: What is the worst punishment you ever had when you were a child?

Study

  1. 1 John 4:8-11,Eph 3:18-19 God is the absolute perfect example and definition of love and the Bible shows us how God’s love is manifest to the world.
    1. 1 John 4:18 If we do not know God, and have a personal relationship with God, then it is impossible to correctly understand what love is, or how to love others.
      1. Ps 130:3-5 One of the most important aspects of Gods love to mankind is his immense grace and forgiveness for us when we sin and make mistakes.
      2. 1 John 1:9, Ps 103:12 When we come to God sincerely and repent of our sin, he completely forgives us and removes all of our shame and guilt.
    2. Romans 8:28, Rev 12:11 God not only forgives all of our sin but he also will work all of our mistakes together for good, and use our lives as a testimony to help others
  2. Matt 18:26-35 Because God has shown us such immense love by forgiving us for all our sins, we need to show love and forgiveness to others when they do wrong to us.
    1. Matt 6:14-15 One of the most important ways that we can show Gods love to others is by showing them love and compassion rather than judgement and legalism
      1. Eph 4:15 It is important however that we as Christians remain balanced holding to biblical absolutes and standards as we show love to the world.
      2. Rom 1:27-31We need to identify sin as sin, but clarify to the world that God can forgive every sin, and deliver every person from every sin no matter what it is.
    2. John 15:13 In the same way God has shown us his immense love and forgiveness, he wants us to show his love and forgiveness to the world so through our example of love we can win many people to Christ!

Discussion

  1. Can you share a time when someone else showed you grace and forgiveness when you deserved punishment?
  2. In what ways have you seen God show you his grace, love, and forgiveness in your life personally?
  3. Does anyone here have a testimony of how God has worked everything together in your life, and used your past as a great testimony to help others?
  4. Do you feel you are personally struggling with unforgiveness towards someone? What steps do you think God wants you to take to let go of this unforgiveness?

 

End: Pray for any who need to understand the love of God in their lives, pray for any who need to accept the forgiveness of Christ in their lives, then take requests.