Forgiveness Pt. 2: Us to Others
Last week we talked about Jesus’ great sacrifical act that made it possible for us to receive forgiveness by his blood. This week, we’re rounding out that core truth of the Bible by exploring the other half, forgiving OTHERS just as in Christ God forgave us. While we may not like it, our forgiveness of others is directly tied to God’s forgiveness of our own sins.
Baron Gerard, Joseph Recognized by His Brothers, 1789
Anchor Passages:
Ephesians 4:32 NIV - Be kind and compassionate
Genesis 45:1-8 NIV - Joseph Makes Himself Known
Matthew 6:9-13 NIV - “This, then, is how you should pray”
Questions to Ponder:
Read Gen 45:1-8 - It never uses the word “forgive,” but how do we see forgiveness displayed in this passage?
Can you define forgiveness in your own words?
Forgiveness can sometimes be urged by Christians wrongly in unhealthy or abusive situations and Pastor Nate talked about some things forgiveness doesn’t mean. How can you apply the first part of Ephesians 4:32 in situations when someone has been deeply hurt or abused?
Has the church been a community in which it is hard or easy for you to forgive others? Why? Consider Ephesians 4:32 again, and remember that it’s written primarily about church family.
There are a few different greek words we translate as “forgive” in our Bibles. In Matthew 6:12, the word for forgive carries meanings of “let go” and “permit” and in Ephesians 4:32 it carries meanings of “give grace,”show favour.” How do these underlying meaningss help you understand “forgiveness”?
The Theme in Song:
We haven’t done a video combination like this in a worship companion before. I came across it in the usual way I find Worship companion songs, just searching Youtube for songs, but when I noticed there was a follow up video to the song I was intrigued. I wasn’t prepared for how powerful this story of forgiveness would be. I hope it challenges and blesses you too. It’s not eveyone’s story, but its possible. Watch the song vdeio first, and then the Pt. 2 video after.