Triggered and Trapped | Week 4

Send us Fan Mail Get Free Get rid of all bitterness, rage, and anger, brawling, and slander, along with every form of malice. Ephesians 4:31 …forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:31-32 Forgiveness is the key that unlocks you from the trap of an offense. 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!” Matthew 18:21-22 Then the king called in the man he had forgiven and said, ‘You evil servant! I forgave you that tremendous debt because you pleaded with me. Shouldn’t you have mercy on your fellow servant, just as I had mercy on you?’ Then the angry king sent the man to prison to be tortured until he had paid his entire debt. “That’s what my heavenly Father will do to you if you refuse to forgive your brothers and sisters from your heart.” Matthew 18:32-35 1. Forgiveness is not saying it's OK. Forgiveness is not saying it’s ok, it’s saying you don't owe me. 2. Forgiveness is not a feeling . For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:21 Forgiveness isn’t a feeling, it’s a Decision. 3. Forgiveness is not Forgetting. Forgiveness is remembering what Jesus did for you and offering the same to others. 4. Forgiveness is not the same as Trust. 5. Forgiveness is not dependent on someone saying I'm sorry. Forgiveness only requires one person, while reconciliation requires two or more. 6. Forgiveness is not fair. He [God] does not treat us as our sins deserve… Psalm 103:10 Forgiveness is: The Word Release or Let Go. Challenge: 1. Accept God’s forgiveness and follow Jesus. 2. Offer forgiveness and be free. Discussion Questions: What’s a small thing that easily irritates you - social media comments, traffic, jokes that hit wrong? Why do those little offenses stick to us? The outline says “bitterness comes from an offense.” Why do you think it’s so hard to notice bitterness taking root until it’s already producing fruit? How does the parable of the unforgiving servant challenge the way we think about justice and fairness? How does receiving God’s forgiveness first make it possible to extend forgiveness to others? What would it look like for you this week to take one step toward releasing an offense—small or big? Thank you for listening to the Relate Community Church podcast! Don’t forget to subscribe so you never miss an episode. If today’s message spoke to you, share it with a friend or leave us a review to help spread the word. To learn more about Relate Community Church, visit us at www.relatecommunity.com. You are always welcome here, and remember—you are loved