Be One, Make One – Part 9 Loving people: Forgiveness and Grace, Becoming People of Mercy
Be One, Make One – Part 9
Loving people: Forgiveness and Grace, Becoming People of Mercy
INTRODUCTION
Forgiveness is not a feeling or suggestion—it is a command rooted in the love and mercy we have received from Jesus. When we forgive, we reflect the heart of God. When we show grace and mercy, we become vessels of the same compassion that saved us.
This kind of life is impossible without the help of the Holy Spirit. But when we let Jesus change our hearts, we begin to release people from the prison of bitterness and walk in the freedom of grace.
This study will guide us through:
1. Forgiving like Christ
2. Releasing others into God’s hands
3. Becoming people of grace and mercy
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PART 1: FORGIVENESS IS NOT OPTIONAL
Overview:
Jesus didn’t just talk about forgiveness—He modeled it on the cross. As believers, forgiveness is not something we do when we feel like it. It’s how we reflect the gospel in our relationships. We forgive because Christ forgave us. Forgiveness frees both us and others.
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Key Scriptures:
• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate… forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
• Colossians 3:13 – “…Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
• Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people… your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
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What Is the Text Saying?
• Ephesians 4:32 – Forgiveness flows from compassion and reflects God’s forgiveness toward us.
• Colossians 3:13 – We forgive because God has set the example—it’s not optional.
• Matthew 6:14-15 – There’s a deep connection between how we forgive others and how we walk in God’s forgiveness.
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Discussion Questions:
• Why is forgiveness a command, not just a suggestion?
• How does Christ’s forgiveness of you shape how you forgive others?
• Who in your life might you need to forgive in obedience to Jesus?
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PART 2: RELEASING OTHERS TO GOD
Overview:
Forgiveness doesn’t mean denying pain—it means we release people from our judgment and entrust them to God. We stop carrying the offense, stop rehearsing the hurt, and begin to walk in freedom. Letting go is not weakness—it’s spiritual strength.
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Key Scriptures:
• Romans 12:19 – “Do not take revenge… ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.”
• Genesis 50:20 – “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good…”
• Mark 11:25 – “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them…”
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What Is the Text Saying?
• Romans 12:19 – God is the only righteous judge—we can trust Him with justice.
• Genesis 50:20 – Joseph released those who wronged him, trusting in God’s redemptive power.
• Mark 11:25 – Unforgiveness blocks intimacy with God—release is required in prayer.
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Discussion Questions:
• What does it mean to release someone into God’s hands?
• How does unforgiveness affect your spiritual and emotional life?
• Are there any situations you need to surrender to God today?
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PART 3: BECOMING PEOPLE OF GRACE AND MERCY
Overview:
God didn’t give us what we deserved—He gave us grace. And now we are called to treat others with that same grace and mercy. This should be a defining trait of every believer. When Christ is at the center, mercy becomes our default response, not judgment.
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Key Scriptures:
• Luke 6:36 – “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.”
• James 2:13 – “Mercy triumphs over judgment.”
• Titus 3:4-5 – “…he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy.”
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What Is the Text Saying?
• Luke 6:36 – We reflect our Father by extending mercy.
• James 2:13 – God’s mercy should rule over our impulse to judge.
• Titus 3:4-5 – Mercy is at the heart of the gospel—it defines how we treat others.
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Discussion Questions:
• How do grace and mercy change the way we relate to difficult people?
• Why is it hard to offer grace when someone doesn’t deserve it?
• What practical ways can you demonstrate mercy to someone this week?
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CLOSING DISCUSSION:
• Which area challenged you the most—Forgiveness, Releasing, or Extending Grace?
• What is one relationship where God is asking you to apply what you’ve learned?
• How can the Holy Spirit help you become more like Christ in this area?
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CLOSING APPLICATION:
This week, ask God to help you walk in love through these steps:
• Forgive – Name the person you need to forgive, and release them in prayer.
• Let Go – Surrender the offense to God. Write it down and tear it up as a symbol of letting go.
• Give Grace – Show unexpected mercy to someone difficult this week. Be kind without needing to be right.
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NEXT STEPS:
In our next study, we’ll focus on Patience and Longsuffering—understanding how God’s Spirit helps us endure, bear with others, and stay faithful through trials and tension, all rooted in His unchanging love.
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Let me know if you’d like this in a group workbook, teaching slides, or discipleship packet format!