We’re in this “Red Letter Day” series to prepare our hearts and minds for Easter Sunday. Can you believe that it is just five Sundays from now? Easter is our very best opportunity for Kingdom influence all year long, and I really hope that you are already praying with me about what God would do in and through us on this most important day.
Whatever God wants to do, he will do through us. Are you thinking and praying about that neighbor, co-worker, or friend that you will be bringing with you to the football field on Easter Sunday morning? In your group, make a prayer list of people who you are inviting to Easter Sunday. Use that list for prayer tonight, and at each life group meeting for the weeks leading up to Easter.
Rebecca has created a GREAT landing page for you to use as you invite people to Easter on the Field… Tap the big image here to check it out.
Forgiveness
When you think about forgiveness, is there a particular person who comes to mind? Why that person?
Do you think most people in the world truly understand forgiveness? Why or why not?
What kinds of things hold us back from truly receiving and giving forgiveness?
We forgive others because we have been forgiven by God. In fact, our willingness to forgive others is directly related to our understanding of just how much God has forgiven us. When Jesus told us to forgive others, He emphasized the relationship between the forgiveness we give with the forgiveness we’ve been given. His parable of the unforgiving slave helps us see that when Christians forgive, we demonstrate the forgiveness, grace, and love of God.
Matthew 6:9–15 (NLT)
Pray like this:
Our Father in heaven, may your name be kept holy.
May your Kingdom come soon. May your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us today the food we need,
and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us.
And don’t let us yield to temptation, but rescue us from the evil one.
If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
Why do you think Jesus chose forgiveness as the only subject in the Lord’s Prayer that he tied to people’s actions?
According to Jesus, what is the true reason we forgive? How is that different from most people’s motivation to forgive?
Why is it so important for us to practice forgiveness?
Why is it so difficult?
Jesus emphasized forgiveness because it, above all else, shows that a person understands what God has done. Jesus emphasized our inability to pay for sins ourselves in a parable later in Matthew.
Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT)
Then Peter came to him and asked, “Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?”
“No, not seven times,” Jesus replied, “but seventy times seven!
What do you think Peter expected Jesus to say when he asked if someone should forgive a brother seven times?
Do you think Jesus’ answer surprised Peter?
Have you ever been in a situation where you felt that forgiving someone might be the same as enabling them? If so, share. How do you think Jesus would handle that situation?
When is the last time you felt in awe of the forgiveness God has shown? How can you make that a regular part of your life?
Is there anyone in your life that you need to forgive right now? What is keeping you from giving forgiveness?
Do you think forgiveness is easier the first time or the 100th time? Why?
What is one practical way our group can show God’s grace to our community?