Scripture Passage: Matthew 5:7 and 18: 21-35

Forgiveness isn’t a suggestion God gives us. It’s an obligation for believers. So how do we forgive and why?

In the Parable of the Unfaithful Servant, we see forgiveness practiced. The servant that owed much was forgiven but then didn’t forgive someone else of a much smaller debt. How do we practice extraordinary forgiveness?

1. My Opportunity to Receive Mercy | The man forgiven of the immense debt is an example of the sin debt we can’t possibly pay on our own. God forgives us when there is no way for us to pay.

2. My Opportunity to Offer Mercy | If we don’t forgive others much smaller debts, our salvation isn’t at risk, but we are putting ourselves in a prison of bitterness and pain.

God tells us to forgive others, but how do we do it?

Identify | We must identify in what way we perceive we were wronged and what we feel we are owed. Write it down and be honest with yourself.

Love | We must look past the fault and see the other person’s need. We are undeserving of God’s forgiveness, but He sees our need and loves us anyway.

Surrender | We must release the debt we deserve.

Forgive | Forgiveness is passing along the owed payment to God.

There are no shortcuts to quality. Forgiveness is hard work, but God asks it of us and He will give us the strength to succeed.

Discussion Questions: 

• How have you been wronged and whom do you need to forgive? What steps can you take today? 

• Who has forgiven you when you didn’t deserve it? 

• How can you seek to forgive someone that hasn’t asked for forgiveness? 

• Discuss times you may have unintentionally hurt someone. Have you asked for forgiveness?