The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

by John Hay, Jr.
Senior Pastor, West Morris Street Free Methodist Church

Second in the Series: "Forgiven and Forgiving"

Forgiveness in the Household

Matthew 18:21-35; Colossians 3:1-17

TRACKING THE WORD
Forgiveness in household relationships is perhaps the most difficult but essential ingredient for spiritual vitality and community witness.

1. Household forgiveness is possible because God is gracious.

Matthew 18:25, Colossians 3:13

- Forgiveness invites us not to be our typical selves, but to live out of the self that has been forgiven, freed, and centered by God's grace.

- We dare to forgive in the simplest as well as the toughest situations because we realize the extent of God's forgiveness of us.

2. Forgiveness in the household is necessary because we are more selfish, error-prone, and presumptuous than we like to think.

Colossians 3:5-10

- Little things to us may translate into bigger hurts for others

- For every sinner, there is usually one who has been sinned against

- Honest mistakes or faulty decisions can still have impacts in others' lives

- Presumption is blind to the way others see and experience the "facts"

3. Household forgiveness is essential for authentic Christian life and witness.

Colossians 3:12-14; Matthew 18:21-23

- What happens in the most personal relationships tends to be projected and replicated into broader relationships and public encounters

- A choice to forgive offenses at any level of relationships can fuel your ability and readiness to forgive at other levels.

4. Household forgiveness is both a daily CHOICE and a distinctly heavenly grace.

Colossians 3:13; Matthew 18:35

GROWTH & ACTION POINTS
Explore and respond to the following statements in personal journaling and/or small group discussion

1. Complete this sentence: "The most important reason for me to be willing to forgive, or try to forgive is…" Reflect on the story of Matthew 18:21-35 as you consider your response.

2. What makes forgiveness for those in your family or household difficult for you? What makes it possible? What makes it easier? Journal or discuss your responses.

3. Describe a situation in which you made a choice forgive someone? Journal or discuss the process and feelings before, during, and after making such a choice.

4. Forgiveness is rarely easy; sometimes it is very difficult and messy. There may be situations in your life that seem too difficult to be forgiving. Commit to forgive and ask God daily for a work of grace in your heart to truly forgive. Write out your commitment.

MARKINGS & WAYPOINTS
Insights for receiving and offering forgiveness

EVERY DAY FORGIVNESS "Don't insist on your rights. Don't blame each other, don't judge or condemn each other, don't find fault with each other, but accept each other as you are, and forgive each other every day from the bottom of your hearts."-Dietrich Bonhoeffer

PRAY & FORGIVE "People ask me what advice I have for a married couple struggling in their relationship. I always answer: pray and forgive. And to young people from violent homes, I say: pray and forgive. And again, even to the single mother with no family support: pray and forgive." - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

BREAKING THE BRIDGE? "He that cannot forgive others breaks the bridge over which he must pass himself; for every man has need to be forgiven." -Thomas Fuller, M.D.

RESPONSES & OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE
Want to explore The Compass with others? Have questions?

If you'd like to connect with others who are working weekly with The Compass, e-mail me or call the church office (317.632.8311)

If you have questions about Scriptures or some of the questions, or just want to share what your are discovering through The Compass, you are welcome to e-mail me.

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