LUKE - WEEK 8

Leaders Note:
This week we go deeper into Gods call to forgiveness on an interpersonal level. Our prayer is that we might grasp the depths of God’s grace and forgiveness towards us so that we may understand forgiveness- and be a church that actively forgives others.

Pray

Again pray for wisdom, discernment and guidance for your group as you begin.

Read Luke 6:37-42

  1. What stands out to you from the passage? What do you notice your initial reaction is towards Jesus’ commands?

  2. When Jesus says, “Judge not and you will not be judged”,  what attitudes is He addressing? And how do those kinds of attitudes show up in our current context?  

  3. How do we grapple with this command when in the world there is sin, disobedience and moral standard? What are some examples of the right kind of judgment? Gal 6:1, James 5:19-20, 2 Jn 8-11

  4. The first pair of negative commands tells us not to be judgmental, condemnatory, blaming, bitter people. The second pair of positive commands tells us to be forgiving, generous, merciful, gracious people. What do giving and forgiving have in common?

  5. Read Matthew 18:24-34. We often experience a kind of blindness of heart where we want grace for ourselves but justice to be done to others.

    What do you forgo when you forgive someone? Be specific?

  6. Is our forgiveness from God conditional, or unconditional? Consider also 1 John 1:9, Romans 2:1-8, Romans 8:1, Romans 5:8.

  7. What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?

  8. Forgiveness is not quick or trivial. How can v40 encourage us to commit to set aside anger and work towards forgiveness?

  9. What has your Heavenly Father forgiven you of this week? How will meditating on this reality impact the way you treat others?

Reflection & Application:

  1. God commands us to offer the same magnitude of forgiveness, grace and compassion to those who might have sinned against us. But actually trying to forgive people forces us to engage with serious questions that further test our emotional and spiritual maturity. Below are two different meditations to help us consider the depths of Gods forgiveness and grace towards us, or, to consider blind spots in our own hearts that are needing repentance. Depending on your context pick a meditation to finish on.

    Meditation 1

    Find a spot in the room that is comfortable and turn the focus of your attention inward. Begin by noticing your breath. Notice your body and how it feels to be seated and breathing. Listen as the following verse is read. Notice what words stand out to you. As you sit and breath ask the Spirit to be ministering to your heart.

    O Lord you have searched me and known me. You know when I sit down and when I rise up.

    Where shall I go from your Spirit? Or where shall I flee from your presence?

    Search me, O God, and know my heart

    Try me and know my thoughts

    And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting

    As you continue to sit and breath ask God Who it is that you need to forgive in your heart? What are you needing to ask repentance for?

    Read again

    Search me, O God, and know my heart

    Try me and know my thoughts

    And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.

    Spend another minute asking God what you are needing to ask repentance for and spend some time sitting in Gods forgiveness.

    Read to end

    For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

    Meditation 2

    Find a spot in the room that is comfortable and turn the focus of your attention inward. Begin by noticing your breath. Noticing your body and how it feels to be seated and breathing. Listen as the following verse is read. Notice what words stand out to you. As you sit and breath ask the Spirit to be ministering to your heart.

    For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

    Spend some time considering all the ways your heavenly father has forgiven you. Name them in your mind. And see what it is like to rest in the truth that there is no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus.

    After 1 minute read again

    For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

    Take one more minute to reflect and consider the depth of Gods grace for you. Ask the Spirit that he may open your eyes to know the extent of his forgiveness. To grasp the depth of his grace.

    End with reading one final time.

    For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his love for those who fear him; As far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.