Practicing Forgiveness

Matthew 18:21-35 ESV

Forgiveness is rarely easy. When we’ve been wronged, anger feels justified and holding onto the hurt can feel powerful. But what begins as a desire for justice can quietly turn into bitterness, and bitterness always traps the one who carries it. Forgiveness is not pretending the pain didn’t happen; it’s choosing to release the debt. It’s surrendering the right to make someone pay and trusting God with justice instead. As we learn to name the hurt, cancel the debt, and close the ledger, we find the freedom that comes from living as people who have been deeply forgiven.

1. Do you know someone trapped in bitterness? How has it affected their relationships with others and with God?

2. Read Deuteronomy 32:4-5; Psalm 9:7-8; Isaiah 30:18 — Why should we leave vengeance in God’s hands and not take it upon ourselves?

3. Read Leviticus 19:17; Job 34:11; Proverbs 26:27 — Pastor Ryan said “Unforgiveness is like drinking rat poison and then expecting the rat to die.” What are some of the results of unforgiveness?

4. Read Matthew 5:16; Luke 6:35; 2 Corinthians 5:15-21; Colossians 3:12-13; Ephesians 4:31-32 — Pastor Ryan said that forgiveness is a choice of the will and brings freedom. Do you see that in these verses?

       a. What could have happened if the forgiven debtor had forgiven the debt of his fellow servant?

       b. What do these verses mean for us and our role in this world as ambassadors for the kingdom of God?

5. Read 1 Samuel 24:8-19 & 2 Samuel 1:11-12— How did David follow the four steps of forgiveness?

       a. Identify with whom you are angry.

       b. Determine specifically what was stolen and what you feel you are owed.

       c. Cancel the debt: decide they no longer owe you.

       d. Close the ledger.