The Compass

A Daily Personal Reflection & Small Group Discussion Guide

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

Fourth in the Series: "Forgiven and Forgiving"

Forgiveness in the Resurrection

Colossians 1:9-13

TRACKING THE WORD
A life defined by forgiveness is made possible not just by Jesus' crucifixion, but equally by His resurrection.

1. Forgiveness is not just cancellation of guilt and debt in repentance, but a powerful life of creative freedom.

Colossians 1:9-13

2. Jesus' crucifixion makes possible our release from sins of the past.

Colossians 1:13; Hebrews 9:21-23

3. Jesus' resurrection unleashes the power to accept and offer forgiveness as a life orientation.

Colossians 1:13; Acts 5:30-32

4. Take these steps into a forgiving life.

a. Recognize the critical need for forgiveness in your life and relationships.

b. Trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus, repent of your sins and offenses in every direction.

c. Trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus, commit to forgive all who hurt or offend you.

d. Trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus, release people and institutions, one by one, from your judgment.

e. Trusting in the death and resurrection of Jesus, envision and enact forgiveness to prevent breakdown and bring reconciliation in relationships near and far.

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

1. Have you before considered the resurrection of Jesus as essential to being forgiven and also a forgiving person? Why or why not? How does our time with the Word today increase your confidence in what God makes possible in our lives and witness?

2. Journal or discuss: What does the crucifixion of Jesus accomplish for our forgiveness? What does the resurrection of Jesus accomplish for our forgiveness? How are these two related?

3. Given the complex and hurtful relationship situations many people grapple with, forgiveness is not easy--but it is necessary for spiritual health. What kind of power is needed and available to make the choice to forgive? Apply this to a particularly challenging relationship you need to address.

MARKINGS & WAYPOINTS
Insights on being forgiven and forgiving others

POWER TO LIVE GOD'S SHALOM Eternal life began in a special sense for [the disciples] on Easter night, in the grace of shalom, in the gift of the Holy Spirit, who would abide with them forever. Temporal holiness and everlasting salvation thereafter were two sides of the same priceless coin… The cross, and the resurrection which triumphed over it, had brought them a shalom which the world could neither give nor take away. It would heal their wearied and sin-bound spirits, and set them to bringing peace on earth and good will among men… His shalom can fill those who trust in Him with the spiritual resources which will enable them to wage war on war, and provide them with weapons which by their peaceableness partakes of the nature of the kingdom for whose coming they both pray and work." - Timothy L. Smith

HERE AND NOW "This power is effective in the times and places in the daily lives of human beings when they are so gravely and relentlessly assailed by the claims of principalities for an idolatry that, in spite of all disguises, really surrenders to death as the reigning presence in the world. His resurrection means the possibility of living in this life, in the very midst of death's works, safe and free from death." -William Stringfellow

PRESENT RISENNESS "The life-giving Spirit of the risen Lord manifests himself…in our willingness to stand fast, our refusal to run away and escape into self-destructive behavior. Resurrection power enables us to engage in the savage confrontation with untamed emotions, to accept the pain…And in the process we discover that we are not alone, that we can stand fast in the awareness of present risenness and so become fuller, richer, deeper disciples. In the process we not only endure, but are forced to expand the boundaries of who we think we really are." -- Brennan Manning

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.

Return to the top
Return to main page