Week 4: Real Forgiveness Study Group (How to Make Forgiveness a Way of Life)

This week, we will get down to the practical steps of real forgiveness. This is exactly what I walk through every time I need to forgive. This is how you can forgive anyone for anything. Are you ready?

Video for Week 4

This week, we will learn about the power of the Holy Spirit in the life of a believer and how that power enables us to do the hard work of forgiveness.

Scriptures For Week 4

I’m curious which verses you are noticing pop out the most as we study real forgiveness together? These are the verses for this week.

• *Romans 8:28
• 2 Chronicles 16:9
• Romans 8:37
• Galatians 3:27
• Hebrews 8:12
• Ephesians 6:12
• Romans 7:15
• Romans 7:19
• Romans 7:24-25
• Matthew 18:21-22
• Matthew 6:14-15
• Genesis 37:18-28
• Genesis 39:6-20
• Genesis 40
• Genesis 50:15-21
• *Genesis 50:20

Main Verses To Meditate On

These are two main passages that will guide our time together this week.

“And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.” (Romans 8:28 NASB)

“As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.” (Genesis 50:20 NASB)

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

Reflection Questions

These questions are meant to help you reflect on the lessons from each day and apply them to your life. Be sure to journal through them and share any thoughts in the comments section at the end of the post.

Day 16 – When You Are Stuck

1. Where do you feel “stuck” in your forgiveness journey right now?
2. What would humility look like in this situation?

Day 17 – Seven Steps To Forgive Anyone

1. Which of the 7 steps feels the most challenging for you right now and why?
2. When you think about your offender, do you see them as someone made in the image of God (why or why not)?

Day 18 – Disclaimers About Forgiveness

1. Have you ever confused forgiveness with being stuck in a harmful relationship?
2. How can you separate the two ideas now?

Day 19 – How To Forgive Without An Apology

1. If you are easily offended (even if by just some people), what triggers that for you?
2. How does Joseph’s story encourage you to forgive even without an apology?

Day 20 – Proof of Pre-Forgiveness In Joseph’s Story

1. What would daily forgiveness look like in your life?
2. How might that change your relationships?

Bonus question:

• How could shifting from a need for respect (fear of people) to a fear of the Lord mentality free you from bitterness?

Real Forgiveness Challenge for Week 4

Small Step Challenge: Choose one of the 7 steps today and put it into practice.

Stretch Challenge: Write out the 7 steps on an index card or sticky note as a visual reminder to use them when unforgiveness rises up.

Personal Growth Challenge: Identify which step you’ve skipped most often in past attempts at forgiveness. Ask God to show you why it’s difficult for you and invite Him to transform that area of your heart.

in HIS love,

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