Be One - Make One: Class 10
Small Group Discipleship Class: Forgiveness and Grace
Class Objective:
Explore the biblical principles of forgiveness and grace, emphasizing the importance of forgiving others, loving our enemies, and promoting peace and unity in relationships. Guide small group discussion and personal reflection on how to live out forgiveness and grace in practical ways.
Part 1: Forgiving Others
Key Scripture References:
Ephesians 4:32: "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Matthew 6:14-15: "For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."
Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Overview:
Forgiving others is a core part of the Christian faith. Just as God has forgiven us through Christ, we are called to forgive those who hurt us. Forgiveness is not optional but an essential expression of the grace we have received. It frees us from bitterness and helps restore relationships.
Discussion Questions:
What does it mean to forgive others as God has forgiven us?
Why is forgiveness essential to our spiritual growth and our relationships?
How can we practice forgiveness even when it's difficult?
Application:
Reflect on someone you may be holding a grudge against. Pray for the strength to forgive them, and take a step toward reconciliation this week, whether through prayer, conversation, or letting go of the resentment.
As a group, share how you’ve experienced forgiveness in your life—either giving or receiving it—and how it affected your relationships.
Part 2: Loving Your Enemies
Key Scripture References:
Matthew 5:43-44: "You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you."
Romans 12:20-21: "On the contrary: ‘If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.’ Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."
Luke 6:35: "But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked."
Overview:
Loving our enemies is one of Jesus' most radical teachings. Rather than harboring resentment or seeking revenge, we are called to extend kindness, prayer, and love toward those who hurt us. This countercultural love reflects the heart of God and transforms our perspective on conflict and relationships.
Discussion Questions:
What are the challenges of loving those who oppose or harm us?
How can we practically show love and kindness to our enemies or those who have wronged us?
What role does prayer play in helping us love our enemies?
Application:
Identify someone in your life who has wronged you or who you might consider an "enemy." Pray for them this week and look for a way to show kindness, whether through words, actions, or simply withholding anger.
As a group, discuss how loving your enemies can lead to healing and reflect God’s love in powerful ways.
Part 3: Living in Unity and Peace
Key Scripture References:
Romans 12:18: "If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone."
Ephesians 4:3: "Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."
Hebrews 12:14: "Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord."
Overview:
Forgiveness and grace lead to peace and unity in our relationships. We are called to strive for reconciliation, not division. Living in peace requires humility, patience, and the willingness to prioritize unity over conflict. Through grace, we can bring healing to broken relationships and foster an environment of mutual respect and understanding.
Discussion Questions:
What steps can we take to live at peace with others, even when disagreements arise?
How does forgiveness contribute to unity in families, churches, and communities?
What does it mean to "make every effort" to live in peace, and how can we apply that to our daily lives?
Application:
Think of a relationship where conflict or tension exists. Reflect on how you can take a step toward peace and reconciliation, whether through forgiveness, understanding, or initiating a conversation.
As a group, discuss ways to promote unity in your church, family, or community, focusing on forgiveness, grace, and peacemaking.
Part 4: Patience and Humility in Difficult Situations
Key Scripture References:
Colossians 3:13: "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Philippians 2:3-4: "Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others."
James 1:19-20: "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires."
Overview:
Forgiveness and grace require patience and humility, especially in difficult situations. Bearing with one another means extending grace when others fall short, recognizing that we all need forgiveness. Practicing humility means valuing others and putting their needs above our own, even when it’s challenging.
Discussion Questions:
How can we practice patience and humility when others frustrate or hurt us?
What role does humility play in resolving conflicts and extending forgiveness?
How can we learn to bear with one another’s faults and forgive with grace?
Application:
This week, practice being "quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to anger" in a difficult situation. Reflect on how patience and humility impact the outcome of that situation.
As a group, consider how you can better bear with one another in your community, extending grace and patience in moments of frustration or conflict.
Closing Discussion
How do forgiveness and grace shape our relationships with others, especially when dealing with conflict?
What are some specific areas in your life where you can apply these principles this week?
Closing Application:
For the coming week, focus on practicing one element from each part (Forgiving Others, Loving Your Enemies, Living in Unity, and Patience and Humility). Be prepared to share how these actions affected your relationships during the next group meeting.
Next Steps:
In the following weeks, we will continue exploring the transformative power of forgiveness and grace, learning how to make these practices foundational in our relationships and daily walk with Christ.
This class helps participants reflect on the biblical principles of forgiveness and grace, guiding them toward practical ways to live in peace and unity with others, while demonstrating Christlike love in their interactions.