COVENANT PRAYER CIRCLE GUIDE

Week of May 21, 2017Words from an Empty Grave – Forgiveness

Prayer Focus: Jesus forgives and empowers us through His forgiving power and reconciliation.

Scripture: John 21:15-19. Please read this selection in your covenant prayer circle.

Jesus asks Peter three times if he loves Him. Was this a reminder to Peter of his three-time denial of Jesus? Then Jesus gives Peter a huge assignment: feed My sheep. Jesus forgives Peter, reconciles with him and empowers him to go out into the world to do the work of the Father. Peter follows through on his love for Jesus by giving himself to the service of God’s people.

Matthew 6:14-15(NIV)“For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

It was Peter who asked Jesus in Matthew 18:21-22: “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.”(NIV) Peter thought he was being generous by saying seven times because the rabbis of the day taught that you had to forgive only three times.

Here is how dictionary.com defines forgiveness: tograntpardonfororremissionofanoffense,debt,etc.;to cease to feel resentment against an offender.Throughout the Bible, forgiveness carries the idea of “release” or “letting go.”

God’s forgiveness is generous and expansive. How can we humans forgive? Step one is to go to God first. We must decide to accept God’s grace and help in order to begin to forgive others. Forgiveness is usually a process and not a “once-for-all event.” Forgiveness is not a feeling, but a decision.

God doesn’t forget our sins. He chooses not to hold them against us. Jesus modeled forgiveness for Peter and for us.Who of us does not need forgiveness every day? Do we ask God’s forgiveness for our many errors? Do we then accept that forgiveness and believe in its power to cleanse and restore us? Do we extend forgiveness to those around us?

Here are some things forgiveness is not:forgiveness is not forgetting; forgiveness is not denial; forgiveness is not an elimination of allconsequences; forgiveness is not the automatic restoration of trust. Forgiveness is hard work, but God requires it of us.

Questions/Discussion

  1. In what ways can forgiveness bring freedom?
  2. What is your experience with forgiveness: giving it, receiving, it denying it or being denied? Share as you feel comfortable.
  3. Where have you seen God at work in your life this week?

Let us Pray: Dear Lord, I admit I have done wrong and that I am a sinner. I am sorry for my sins. I believe Jesus died in my place for my sins. Please forgive me, Lord. Give me a new beginning and be Lord of my heart. Help me to live for You. Thank You for Your great love and forgiveness. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.