Dirty Bible Words Week 1: Forgiveness Message Summary: Forgiveness might not seem like an offensive word until you think about what it actually means, namely, the freely-given grace to people who deserve only punishment. Culture would prefer to cancel, label, and dismiss the guilty, but God’s f-word interrupts our system of justice and offers the grace of sending sins away. ✦ Mere Christianity (CS Lewis) : “Everyone says forgiveness is a lovely idea until they have something to forgive...” ✦Defining Forgiveness: ❖ As the only option : ‣ Matthew 18:23-35 — “Therefore, the kingdom of heaven is like a king who wanted to settle accounts with his servants. 24 As he began the settlement, a man who owed him ten thousand bags of gold was brought to him. 25 Since he was not able to pay, the master ordered that he and his wife and his children and all that he had be sold to repay the debt. 26 “At this the servant fell on his knees before him. ‘Be patient with me,’ he begged, ‘and I will pay back everything.’ 27 The servant’s master took pity on him, canceled the debt and let him go. 28 “But when that servant went out, he found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred silver coins. He grabbed him and began to choke him. ‘Pay back what you owe me!’ he demanded. 29 “His fellow servant fell to his knees and begged him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay it back.’ 30 “But he refused. Instead, he went off and had the man thrown into prison until he could pay the debt. 31 When the other servants saw what had happened, they were outraged and went and told their master everything that had happened. 32 “Then the master called the servant in. ‘You wicked servant,’ he said, ‘I canceled all that debt of yours because you begged me to. 33 Shouldn’t you have had mercy on your fellow servant just as I had on you?’ 34 In anger his master handed him over to the jailers to be tortured, until he should pay back all he owed. 35 “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.” ❖As satisfying a debt owed: ‣ Matthew 6:12 — And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. ‣ John 19:30 — When he had received the drink, Jesus said, “It is finished.” With that, he bowed his head and gave up his spirit. ‣ 2 Corinthians 5:21 — God made him who had no sin to be sin [ a ] for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. ‣ Psalm 51:4 — Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justi fi ed when you judge. ‣ John 20:22b-23a — “Receive the Holy Spirit. 23 If you forgive anyone’s sins, their sins are forgiven.” ❖ As declaration: “I won’t make you pay for that. I charge Jesus .” ‣ Matthew 7:2 — For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you. ✦ Objections to Forgiveness: ❖ But do you know what they did? Answer: ❖ But what if they’re not sorry? Answer: ❖ But what if they hurt me again? Answer: ❖ But what if I don’t feel it? Answer: Planting Jesus Roots GATHER — Jesus says that if you are at odds with someone, before you even go to church, you should reconcile to them fi rst (Matthew 5:23-24). Why do you think Jesus says this? GROUP — Reconciliation is one of the hardest things to do. How might you leverage your Life Group this week to talk through strategies concerning people with whom you need to reconcile? GROW — As you connect with God at home in your regular devotions this week, add in time to re fl ect on two things: How much God forgave you for your sins, and how much the person who hurt you most, owes you. Compare the two balances. How is God stirring your heart regarding forgiveness? GIVE — Reach out to that soul who has hurt you deeply with an olive branch of forgiveness. Or reach out, in humility, to someone you have hurt asking for forgiveness. Then, commend yourself to God and be at peace, regardless the response. GO — Who in your life do you see who is deeply hurt and has become bitter as a result? How might you reach out with the dirty word about forgiveness? Homework: Ephesians 5:21-6:9 (Hashtags: forgiveness, Jesus)