Getting to the place of practically, really forgiving larger offenses or older offenses requires several things. We must know who the Lord is and what His job is, then we must begin to grow spiritually taking one small step after another until we can do the work God called us to do.
This week, we will see practical steps with real-life examples to step toward a deeper spiritual maturity. This leads to a life where forgiveness is second nature!
Video for Week 3
Our teaching for week 3 of the Real Forgiveness Group Study is based on Isaiah 26 and Philippians 4:8-9. In this video, you will learn how to find peace of mind as you forgive and wait on the Lord.
Scriptures For Week 3
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):
- 2 Timothy 3:5
- Matthew 6:14-15
- Think about how your understanding of it is shifting as you read it anew each week.
- *Isaiah 26:3
- Hebrews 10:30
- Daniel 7:9-10
- Matthew 25:31-46
- Exodus 23:22
- Hebrews 13:4
- Ecclesiastes 3:17
- Ephesians 4:30
- Ephesians 4:32
- Mark 11:25
- Luke 6:37
- *Colossians 3:12-13
- Philippians 2:3
- Philippians 2:6
- Isaiah 61:10
- Ezekiel 16:43
- James 4:8
Main Verses To Meditate On
These are two main passages that will guide our time together this week.
“You will keep him in perfect peace,
Whose mind is stayed on You,
Because he trusts in You.” (Isaiah 26:3 NKJV)
“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:12-13 NKJV)
You can also download the verses in order if it helps you focus through your quiet time.
Reflection Questions
You can also download the verses in order if it helps you focus through your quiet time.
Day 11 – God Alone Should Judge
- What areas do you battle fully surrendering to God as Judge?
- How do you find yourself looking for “loopholes” to hold on to control or unforgiveness?
Day 12 – The Ancient of Days Sees All
- What feelings are stirred up knowing that God keeps a perfect record of every wrong?
- How does knowing that help you let go of the need to keep your own?
Day 13 – Forgiving Family & Breaking Bitterness
- What patterns of unforgiveness do you see within your family (answer for your family of origin and your family of choice)?
- How can you break that cycle with God’s help?
Day 14 – Clothing Yourself in Christlike Virtues
- Which of the qualities in Colossians 3:12–13 (compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, patience) is the hardest for you to practice, and why?
- How can you take one small, intentional step this week to “put on” one of these virtues in a difficult relationship?
Day 15 – Spirit-Empowered Forgiveness
- When have you experienced God enabling you to do something you thought was impossible?
- How can you practice humility as a chosen posture today, instead of waiting to be humbled by circumstances or consequences?
Real Forgiveness Challenge for Week 3
How are you doing with the forgiveness challenges so far? Have you noticed they are building upon each other?
This week you will choose the option or options that fit best.
Small Step Challenge:
Write out Philippians 4:8–9 as a prayer for yourself as you battle negative thoughts about the person or situation you are forgiving.
Stretch Challenge:
Go back to your list of negative or cycling thoughts from last week and choose one to replace with thoughts that line up with Philippians 4:8.
- What is true about this person or situation?
- What is honorable about them?
- Is there something just?
- What is pure that I can focus on?
- Is there something lovely behind intentions or personal growth maybe?
- What is of good rebute?
- Is there anything excellent to focus on?
- How can I shift toward praise?
Personal Growth Challenge:
Dig deeper into how shifting your thoughts to match Philippians 4:8–9 can bring peace of mind as you surrender judgment to God. Check out this free short study: Free Bible Study: What Does The Bible Say About Peace of Mind.
in HIS love,
Tiffany of Hope Joy in Christ inspires Christian Women to grow in faith, live out Biblical Marriage Principles and raise Godly Children. Join the Wives Only Facebook Group here or keep up with her through Pinterest.
Be sure to keep up with the study on the main study page ~> Real Forgiveness Book Club
