Beyond the Weekend

July 15 | Forgive

July 15, 2015

Text: Ephesians 4.29-32

Sometimes our mess isn’t of our own doing. We’re the object of someone’s gossip, our actions were horribly misunderstood, or a destructive choice by a family member has sent us into a free fall. No matter, we’re in a mess that’s left us bitter, angry, and disillusioned with seemingly nowhere to go or nothing we can do. The only thing we know for sure is who’s responsible.

It’s in these moments that God calls us to forgive, a forgiveness based in his love. “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4.32). No matter what has happened to you, God’s love—the same love he gives to you—forms the basis for forgiving the wrongs committed against us. We have the opportunity to reflect to others the same love we’ve experienced.

If you’re in a mess because of someone else, you know how difficult it is to forgive. That’s why we need this fruit of the Spirit—love—to be able to do it. This leads to this week’s One Big Question: When has God’s great love motivated you to respond in a way you otherwise would not? Discuss with your small group, a trusted friend, or around the table after dinner.

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