Forgive as the Lord Forgave You
- Dan Haakenson
- Jun 5, 2011
- Series: Shaped by Stories
Further Reflection, Discussion, and Application
- The parable of the unmerciful servant (Matt 18:23-35) is certainly not the hardest of the parables to understand but it may be among the hardest to apply. So begin with prayer for an open mind, a soft heart, and a pliable will.
- Re-tell this parable in your own words (Matt 18:23-35). How does it relate to the context (v15-22)?
- What do you see about the character of the king? About the character of the servant who was forgiven but then failed to forgive?
- What do you make of the massive debt that the servant was forgiven? How do you honestly assess the extent of God’s forgiveness of you?
- The title of Sunday’s message - Forgive as the Lord forgave you – comes directly from Scripture. Compare Col 3:12-14 with Eph 4:31-5:2; how do these passages reinforce the question in Matt 18:33?
- What happens to us when we refuse to forgive (based on this parable)? What does it say about us when we refuse to forgive?
- There are three aspects of forgiveness mentioned in v27 – took pity… canceled the debt… let him go. What do those dimensions of forgiveness mean when it comes to us forgiving others? How is this description of forgiveness different from what is sometimes suggested about forgiveness? How is it different than reconciliation?
- Who do you need to forgive right now? Who is it hardest for you to forgive and why? What is God calling you to do in regard to that relationship, person, or wrong that you are harboring?
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