Series Title: Cancel The Debt

Title – The Pattern Of Forgiveness

1. When you hear Paul say, “Let all bitterness be put away,” what warning do you think he is giving believers? Why do you think bitterness is so dangerous to a heart, a family, or even a church?

2. In the sermon we talked about keeping a “ledger” in our hearts. What does that look like in real life? Have you ever caught yourself replaying an offense or reminding yourself of what someone did?

3. Which part of the pattern of forgiveness is hardest for you right now?

•  Removing the poison (being honest about the hurt)

•  Replacing it with grace (releasing the debt)

•  Rooting it in the gospel (remembering how much you’ve been forgiven)

Why do you think that step is difficult?

4. How does remembering how much God has forgiven you change the way you view the person who hurt you? Read Ephesians 4:32 again. What does it look like to forgive someone “as God in Christ forgave you”?

5. What’s the difference between forgiveness and restoration? Are there relationships in your life where you need to forgive someone in your heart but still establish healthy boundaries?

6. As a group – don’t rush this question. Take a quiet moment and honestly ask the Lord: “Jesus, is there anyone I’m still holding a debt against?” Sit with that question for a minute. Did a name, face, or situation come to mind? If so, what would it look like for you to begin releasing that to God this week?

Ask Your Kids

1. What does it mean to stay connected to Jesus?

2. What are some ways you can grow closer to Him?

3. How can your life help others?

4. What “fruit” do you want God to grow in you?

Series Title: Cancel The Debt

Title – Disciples Forgive

1.  Read/Recap Matthew 18:21-35. Jesus tells a story about a servant who was forgiven an impossible debt but then immediately demanded payment from someone else. Why do you think it’s possible for us to receive God’s mercy but still struggle to extend mercy to others?

2.  In the message we talked about how we often minimize our own sin but magnify the sins committed against us. Why do you think that comes so naturally to us?

3.  Jesus says in Matthew 18 that forgiveness must come “from the heart.”

What do you think real heart-level forgiveness looks like, and why is it often so difficult?

4.  The sermon asked the question: “Who are you holding by the throat?”

Without naming names publicly if you’re not comfortable, what makes it so hard to release someone who has hurt you?

5.  Jesus warns that holding onto unforgiveness affects our relationship with God (Matthew 18:35; Mark 11:25). Why do you think unforgiveness is so spiritually dangerous, and what does it slowly do to a person’s heart?

6.  What would change in your life, relationships, or spiritual walk if you truly released the debt you’re holding against someone?

Ask Your Kids

1. What does obedience mean?

2. Why do you think God wants us to obey Him?

3. When is it hard to obey?

4. How can God help you obey this week?