"The Good life" - Week 6

Week 6 - Matthew 6:12, 14-15

"And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors."

Forgiveness is so easy in theory, but so incredibly difficult in practice.

If you find forgiveness easy, then get down on your knees and thank God that great hurt has not been introduced into your life.

I hear many people say, "My bad," but I hear few people in our culture asking and giving forgiveness. Which can only mean that true forgiveness is one of the most countercultural traits we could model on behalf of the world.

The world knows revenge. The world knows broken relationships. The world knows warfare. The world has even lost the language of reconciliation and forgiveness.

And if there is any question about the importance of forgiveness in the Lord's Prayer, continue reading in verses 14-15.

"For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

That pretty much sums it up. Forgiveness isn't an option. It's demanded of every Christ-follower.

As you dwell in Matthew 6:12, here are a few questions to consider and comment on:

1) Is forgiveness a salvation issue? What do verses 14-15 add to our interpretation?

2) What parables of Jesus remind you most of what a kingdom outlook on forgiveness looks like?

3) What is involved in forgiveness? Is forgiveness forgetting past wrongs done to you? Is forgiveness looking sins in the eye and naming them?

4) Think of a person whom you need to forgive? What makes it so hard for you to forgive him/her? What would you lose if you were to forgive him/her for what they have done to you?

5) How does an unwillingness to forgive affect us?

6) Are you willing to offer forgiveness to someone in your life who needs it? What actions will you take this week to show forgiveness to others?

7) What are some ways that Christians (those committed to putting the kingdom on display) might seek to implement this passage in order to proclaim the good news in 2012?