Forgive Others Like Jesus
Part 1 of the “Love Like Jesus” Series
The Big Idea of the “Love Like Jesus” series:
There is so much pain and hurt in the world, sometimes it is hard to see anything else. But what if, when we looked around, all we saw was love as modeled by Jesus? The greatest act of love and sacrifice in history shows us how to make it happen. In this series, we will look at three main ways that Jesus loved the Church: by forgiving sinners, washing feet, and breaking bread. Let’s learn together how to love like Jesus.
Key Scripture:
For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. – Matthew 6:14-15 (NASB)
The Big Idea for Part 1 of the “Love Like Jesus” series:
Forgiving someone will not change the past, but it can change your future.
How do we forgive something that seems unforgiveable?
Now two others, who were criminals, were also being led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place called “The Skull,” there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves. – Luke 23:32-34 (NASB)
If we live long enough, we’re going to be hurt by somebody.
Jesus chose to forgive sinners. His followers are to do the same.
How do we forgive like Jesus?
1. Pray for those who hurt us.
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. – Luke 6:28 (NASB)
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hurt your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. – Matthew 5:43-44 (NASB)
*Why did Jesus teach this? Because attitude precedes “right actions.”
When we pray for others, it may or may not change the other person, but it will always transform us.
2. Forgive as we have been forgiven.
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. – Colossians 3:13 (NASB)
What good is it doing you to hold on to a grudge?
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” – Anne Lamont
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever held a grudge against someone? How did unforgiveness affect you?
Have you ever received unexpected forgiveness? What was that like?
What are two or three things that keep you from forgiving people? Are those things worth it?
Why do you think it works to pray for people who hurt you?
Why do you think God wants us to forgive?
In light of today’s topic, who will you pray for this week? When and how often?
Is there anyone you still need to forgive? How will you take action instead of waiting for your feelings to change?
There is so much pain and hurt in the world, sometimes it is hard to see anything else. But what if, when we looked around, all we saw was love as modeled by Jesus? The greatest act of love and sacrifice in history shows us how to make it happen. In this series, we will look at three main ways that Jesus loved the Church: by forgiving sinners, washing feet, and breaking bread. Let’s learn together how to love like Jesus.
Key Scripture:
For if you forgive other people for their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive other people, then your Father will not forgive your offenses. – Matthew 6:14-15 (NASB)
The Big Idea for Part 1 of the “Love Like Jesus” series:
Forgiving someone will not change the past, but it can change your future.
How do we forgive something that seems unforgiveable?
Now two others, who were criminals, were also being led away to be put to death with Him. And when they came to the place called “The Skull,” there they crucified Him and the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. But Jesus was saying, “Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing.” And they cast lots, dividing His garments among themselves. – Luke 23:32-34 (NASB)
If we live long enough, we’re going to be hurt by somebody.
Jesus chose to forgive sinners. His followers are to do the same.
How do we forgive like Jesus?
1. Pray for those who hurt us.
Bless those who curse you, pray for those who are abusive to you. – Luke 6:28 (NASB)
You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hurt your enemy.” But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. – Matthew 5:43-44 (NASB)
*Why did Jesus teach this? Because attitude precedes “right actions.”
When we pray for others, it may or may not change the other person, but it will always transform us.
2. Forgive as we have been forgiven.
Bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so must you do also. – Colossians 3:13 (NASB)
What good is it doing you to hold on to a grudge?
“Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping the other person dies.” – Anne Lamont
Questions for Reflection
Have you ever held a grudge against someone? How did unforgiveness affect you?
Have you ever received unexpected forgiveness? What was that like?
What are two or three things that keep you from forgiving people? Are those things worth it?
Why do you think it works to pray for people who hurt you?
Why do you think God wants us to forgive?
In light of today’s topic, who will you pray for this week? When and how often?
Is there anyone you still need to forgive? How will you take action instead of waiting for your feelings to change?