Crossroads Church

Anchor Verse: “...let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith...” Hebrews 12:1-2

Unforgiveness is not __________________.

Matthew 16: The First Prediction of the Passion

Human thinking hinders ____________ action in our world. (16:21-28)

Matthew 18: The Parable of the Unforgiving Servant

Human thinking about forgiveness ___________ for loopholes. (18:21)

Human thinking about forgiveness assumes the best of _______________.
(18:22-27)

Human thinking about forgiveness assumes the worst of ___________.
(18:28-30)

Human thinking about forgiveness expects something in ____________. (18:31-34)

Human thinking about forgiveness brings _________________ consequences. (18:35)

Don’t Miss This!
Jesus believed in the power of ___________ forgiveness and the ____________ of human forgiveness.

_____________ what type of forgiveness you will offer: Divine or Human.

Divine forgiveness: letting go of all _______________ and thoughts of _____________.

Divine forgiveness frees a person from a debt they could ____________ repay.

Daily acknowledge your ___________ for divine forgiveness.

Divine forgiveness teaches us _____________.

Divine forgiveness can lead to understanding, empathy and ________________.

Divine forgiveness contributes to _____________ health.

1. Consider where unforgiveness is torturing you and impacting your health.

2. Surrender to God your resentment and desire for revenge.

3. Daily acknowledge your own need for forgiveness from others and pray for the grace to forgive like Jesus.

1. Talk about a circumstance where forgiveness was or is especially difficult. What factors contributed to your hesitancy to forgive?

2. How is forgiveness different than reconciliation?

3. In Jesus’ parable of the unforgiving servant, we see a few common ways of thinking about forgiveness; each brings its own problems. Why do you think we assume the best in ourselves when we need forgiveness but the worst in others when we need to offer forgiveness?

4. Do you agree that repentance is for our benefit and not God’s? Why or why not? Based on your answer, is your image of God one of perfect love or righteous wrath? Is your image of God reflected in the actions of Jesus?

5. Think about a time where you felt like you were truly able to forgive someone—a time where you truly let go of resentment and revenge. How did you feel? Describe any changes you felt in your emotional, physical or spiritual health.