FREEDOM TO FORGIVE
GOSPEL FREEDOM

Ephesians 4:31-32

Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.

Summary

Today Pastor Brian began a new series “Freedom to Forgive”. We learned that it is important to first seek God to help us deal with the hurt and pain of the offense (vertical healing) in order to effectively forgive the way God commanded us in scripture (horizontal forgiveness and reconciliation). In order to receive healing we need to start with the primary premise that the battle is not against my offender but the battle is for my freedom from the offense. As we follow God’s pattern of reconciliation the Gospel will satisfy my wrath, heal my wounds, and set me free.

Discussion

Prayer

Pray and ask God to reveal offenses where you have not experienced Gospel freedom. Confess those offenses to God. Ask God to give you freedom from the hurt and pain of the offense. Commit to dealing with the hurt and pain of an offense before seeking reconciliation.

Prepared by Robert Trego