Week 2: Real Forgiveness Study Group (Embracing All The Parts of Forgiveness)

The healing power of forgiveness leads to radical change! This week as we continue our study of real forgiveness, we will see the freedom and trust that comes when we release our offender to God to handle.

But to get there, we must embrace all the parts of forgiveness. ALL the parts… not just some of them, not just forgetting about the hurt, not just pretending it didn’t happen… we need every piece of the process to begin walking in the freedom God has for us!

Video for Week 2

If you wonder how anyone could simply lay the hurt at Jesus’ feet and leave it there, you are not alone. This week, I will teach about The Ancient of Days and why you can really trust Him to handle the hard parts.

Scriptures For Week 2

As we study together, I want to encourage you to dig deeply into Scripture. God’s Words will change your life if you spend the time abiding in them. These verses will guide our study this week (I suggest writing out one as a memory verse):

• *John 10:10
• Genesis 50:20
• Ephesians 4:29-31
• Isaiah 54:4
• 1 John 1:9
• Romans 12:1-2
• Psalm 139:23-24
• Romans 7:15
• 1 John 1:6
• Isaiah 29:13
• Matthew 5:44
• Ephesians 4:31-32
• Hebrews 12:14-15
• Matthew 5:23-24
• James 1:6
• Matthew 6:14-15
• John 8:1-11
• Ecclesiastes 4:12
• Romans 8:1
• Mark 10:27

Main Verses To Meditate On

These are the two verses that will guide our week most heavily.

“…And Jesus said, “I do not condemn you, either. Go. From now on do not sin any longer.” (John 8:11 NASB)

“Therefore there is now no condemnation at all for those who are in Christ Jesus.” (Romans 8:1 NASB)

You can also download the verses in order if it helps you focus through your quiet time.

Reflection Questions

As we study together this week, I’d love to hear some of your thoughts in the comments section below.

Day 6 – The Power of Forgiveness

1. Where is unforgiveness holding you back from living an abundant life?
2. What step of surrender is the Lord asking you to take so you can begin to walk in freedom?

Day 7 – Embracing the Power of Forgiveness

1. How does releasing the offense to God to handle draw you closer to God in your vertical relationship?
2. What sin do you need to confess today so that nothing stands between you and the Lord’s presence?

Day 8 – What Happens When I Refuse to Forgive?

1. How have you experienced the heavy weight or consequences of unforgiveness?
2. What signs of “lip service forgiveness” do you notice in your heart, and how can you move toward heart-deep forgiveness instead?

Day 9 – Unforgiveness

1. How has bitterness or a lack of peace revealed itself in your relationships or prayer life?
2. What would it look like to imitate Joseph’s response to hardship in your life?

Day 10 – Sin and Unforgiveness

1. What steps can you take to shift from focusing on your offender’s part (sin) toward your part (either your part in the problem or your part in refusing to forgive)?
2. How can you create some time to get alone with God this week to process the deep pain that has kept you from forgiving?

Real Forgiveness Challenge for Week 2

I hope the challenge last week helped you internalize what forgiveness is and begin to discard any old/wrong thinking about this spiritual discipline. This week I want to give you more options:

Small Step Challenge:
Each day, write down the name of one person you’re struggling to forgive. Pray for them by name, asking God to bless them in a specific way. End by inviting Him to soften your heart and show you where you need His help.

Stretch Challenge:
Write a letter to God about the person you need to forgive. Be completely honest—share the hurt, confess any bitterness, and then surrender it to Him. (This letter is just between you and the Lord; you don’t have to give it to anyone.)

Personal Growth Challenge:
This week, pay attention to your thoughts. When you notice yourself replaying the offense or having a negative thought about the person, jot down what triggered it. (Next week, we’ll begin learning how to replace those thoughts with prayer and Philippians 4:8 to restore peace of mind.)

in HIS love,

Be sure to keep up with the study on the main study page ~> Real Forgiveness Book Club