Grow Group Questions - May 12, 2024

May 9, 2024 3:43 PM
GROW GROUP QUESTIONS
Announcement: 
Please take time in your group to fill out the Grow Group survey. You can find the link here. Thank you!
Icebreaker:  
How did your parents handle fights between you and your siblings?
Sermon Discussion - Matthew 18:15-20
  • How does the sermon’s definition of forgiveness as “releasing the expectation of repayment or punishment” resonate with your understanding of forgiveness?
  • Matthew outlines “steps” toward reconciliation. Which of these steps do you find most challenging, and why? 
  • Pastor Steve shared that step 1 is not mandated to protect the reputation of the sinner but to protect the reputation of Christ.
    • How does missing this foundation cause us to misunderstand how to walk this step? 
  • Forgiveness is not a set formula but a process requiring Biblical wisdom and the Holy Spirit's guidance. 
    • What makes us want the “formula” to be followed step by step?
Going Deeper
  • Read Proverbs 12:16, 19:11, and 20:3. What is the balance between confronting an offense (Matt 18) and choosing to overlook it? 
    • Why can it be wise to overlook an offense?
    • Are there times when one is more appropriate than the other? 
    • How do you know which to choose?
  • Jesus taught that forgiveness should have no limits and be granted without reserve.  How do you feel about this standard? 
    • Is it always possible or necessary for forgiveness to be granted by the one offended?
  • How does personal forgiveness relate to your relationship with God?
    • How does a lack of forgiveness in your heart affect your spiritual health?
Prayer Time: Ask the Lord to reveal where you may be harboring unforgiveness and to grant you the courage to go to the one who caused the offense.
Reminder for next week- Read Matthew 15:21-26 (And surrounding verses)