Families that forgive

Topics: forgiveness, family, church family, God's family

I. Forgiveness in God's family

* The vertical quality of forgiveness is the standard for our forgiveness!

1. Joseph named the firstborn Manasseh, "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my trouble and all my father's household." He named the second Ephraim, "For," he said, "God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction? (Genesis 41:51, 52).
2. I am sending you, to open their eyes so that they may turn from darkness to light and from the dominion of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and an inheritance among those who have been sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 26:17b, 18).

II. Forgiveness in your family

* The personal impact of forgiveness transforms your life for better!

1. He wept so loudly that the Egyptians heard it, and the household of Pharaoh heard of it (Genesis 45:2).
2. "Now do not be grieved or angry with yourselves, because you sold me here, for God sent me before you to preserve life" (Genesis 45:5).
3. "And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors . . . For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions" (Matthew 6:12, 14, 15).

III. Forgiveness in future families

* The legacy of forgiveness is a powerful witness for our Lord!

1. But Joseph said to them, "Do not be afraid, for am I in God's place? As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive. So therefore, do not be afraid; I will provide for you and your little ones." So he comforted them and spoke kindly to them (Genesis 50:19-21)
2. Jesus said to him, "I do not say to you, up to seven times, but up to seventy times seven" . . . ""Should you not also have had mercy on your fellow slave, in the same way that I had mercy on you?' And his lord, moved with anger, handed him over to the torturers until he should repay all that was owed him. My heavenly Father will also do the same to you, if each of you does not forgive his brother from your heart" (Matthew 18:22, 33-35).

Sermon by Pastor Rod Akins, June 9^th, 2024

Life group flow and discussion questions

Families that forgive

An important Guideline of Life Groups: Forgiveness is one of the most Christ-like qualities that we can carry out. How can your Life Group promote the freedom of forgiveness with each family unit? Families that forgive know how to live!

Getting Started:

1. How do you know if you're forgiven by God (Acts 10:43-45; 1 John 5:11-13)?
2. When have you experienced the gracious forgiveness from another person, like Joseph did for his brothers?

Discussing Truths:

1. Have you ever seen yourself as a victim and allow resentment and bitterness to grow?
2. Discuss what forgiveness is NOT and what forgiveness IS from a biblical perspective.
3. How do you process the pain and hurt of offenses?
4. Why was Peter?s question to Jesus supposed to sound generous (Matthew 18:21)? How does the parable illustrate our tremendous debt of forgiveness (Matthew 18:23-35)? What is required for us to APPLY this parable and not just read it?
5. How does the truth of Romans 8:1 inspire you to share the gospel of forgiveness with others?
6. Why do many people live in a prison cell of torment, bitterness and frustration when they hold the key to their own cell?
7. What did you think of the movie clip from AMISH GRACE? Would you be able to forgive such a horrific sin so quickly?

Now What? Application:

1. Is there anyone to whom you need to truly forgive (Romans 12:18)? Anyone you need to ask for forgiveness?
2. How can you leave a legacy of forgiveness to impact future generations with the hope of being free and forgiven?