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*God made us for relationships and he made relationships for us.
*He created us to be connected to him and to live our lives in community with others
*Instead of asking God why…
1. Jesus, where are you in this?
2. What can you show me through this?
3. What can I learn from this?
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Matthew 18:21-22 Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
Forgiveness means
1. Praying for those who have evil intentions for you (Matthew 5:44),
2. Abounding in love that is only possible when you really are abiding in Christ (Psalm 86:5),
3. Never avenging yourself, but leaving it to God’s capable hand (Romans 12:18-19),
4. Doing good to those who never do good to you (Luke 6:27-28),
5. Watching your own life, and ensuring you’re not guilty of the sin that’s been committed against you (Luke 17:3)
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Question: How would you describe your relationship with forgiveness?
Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Question: What are some ways God’s forgiveness has affected your life?
Mark 11:24-25 Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours. 25 And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.”
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If we point our cup up towards God, not people, we will overflow with his love. This makes forgiving yourself and others possible because he fills you to the measure of the fullness of him.
When your cup overflows you are no longer fearful and anxious of people. Instead, you can recognize that you are already filled, I don’t need it from you, but I get to overflow it to you because that is precisely what you need. We can apply this to forgiveness. People that need forgiveness need to know more about Jesus. And what is God’s plan for that? You.
When we don’t forgive we make ourselves the main character of our story. But we are not the main character. God needs to be the main character of your story.
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*My challenge for you today is to ask God: Ok God, who do I need to forgive?*
Prayer: Good Father, thank You for constantly accepting us back. Thank You for forgiving us first. Holy Spirit, we need Your strength to be able to forgive those who’ve hurt us. Give us the courage to go with Your love into our broken relationships. We pray this in Jesus’ incredible name. Amen!
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Psalm 23
The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. Surely your goodness and love will follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.
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