Questions about Forgiveness

? What is "forgiveness?"

• To "forgive" can mean "1) to stop being angry about or resenting somebody or somebody's behavior; 2) to excuse somebody for a mistake, misunderstanding, wrongdoing, or inappropriate behavior; or 3) to cancel an obligation such as a debt."

? Why should we forgive?

? For the Christian, what is the ground (basis) and motivation for personal forgiveness?

• The ground and motivation for human forgiveness is God's forgiveness though Christ. We are to forgive "just as in Christ God forgave [us]" (Ephesians 4:32).

? Peter had a question about forgiveness. He asked Jesus, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother when he sins against me? Up to seven times?' (Matthew 18:21, NIV)

Jesus' Response to Peter's Question
* After Peter asked his question, "Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times" (Matthew 18:21-22, NIV). Then Jesus shared a parable to make his point.

1. Read Matthew 18:23-35. How desperate (hopeless) is the servant's situation? (18:24-25)

2. How does the master respond to the servant's pleading? What does this indicate about the master's character? (18:27)

3. After being forgiven, what does the servant do? What do you think about his character?

4. What are the consequences of the servant's attitudes and actions?

5. What are the main points of this parable?

What Else Did Jesus Say?

* Jesus told his disciples to pray in this way: "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors" (Matthew 6:12; cf. Luke 11:4). Then Jesus said, "For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins" (Matthew 6:14-15, NIV).

* Jesus said to his disciples, "If your brother sins, rebuke him, and if he repents, forgive him. If he sins against you seven times a day, and seven times comes back to you and says, 'I repent,' forgive him" (Luke 17:3b-4, NIV).

* On the cross, Jesus said, "Father, forgive them for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34, NIV).

Other Questions about Forgiveness

? What happens if the offender does not repent (change, apologize)? Must the Christian still "forgive?" What about discipline and justice?

? What happens when we do not forgive?

Personal Reflection & Application

> Is there someone you need to forgive? Does it seem too difficult? Once we have received the forgiveness of God through faith in Jesus Christ, we have the spiritual resources to forgive others. It may still be difficult, but the powerful love of God in Christ enables us to do extraordinary things! Have you trusted Christ as your Lord and Savior? Are you relying on his strength?

> Do you need to forgive someone? Do you need to ask someone for forgiveness? As a Christian, you know what you need to do. Pray and ask God for the wisdom and strength to do what is right. Ask an elder or a trusted, mature Christian friend to pray with you and advise you. Forgive, "just as in Christ God forgave you." Realize that there is a cost to forgiveness, but God understands, for Christ suffered the ultimate cost in order to secure our forgiveness. Ask God to help you endure the cost, and "rejoice that you participate in the sufferings of Christ, so that you may be overjoyed when his glory is revealed."