Experiencing Forgiveness | Week 8
EXPERIENCING FORGIVENESS
Week’s Passage: Mathew 18
inTro
Healing through Forgiveness
Unforgiveness can harm physical and emotional health, as seen in a man whose fibromyalgia and high blood pressure improved after forgiving a relative. Chronic stress from bitterness triggers harmful hormones, worsening health. Through forgiveness and Christ’s help, he healed physically, emotionally, and spiritually. True freedom and joy come from letting go of past hurts and embracing forgiveness.
inGest
Abundant, Overflowing Forgiveness
Forgiveness is a divine act that requires God’s grace. In Matthew 18:21–22, Jesus calls for unlimited forgiveness, rejecting the limited approach of the Jewish rabbis, who taught forgiving more than three times was unnecessary. Through the parable of the unforgiving servant, Jesus emphasizes that God’s immense forgiveness of our sins obligates us to forgive others abundantly and unconditionally (Ephesians 4:32).
God prepared forgiveness for humanity even before creation, knowing we would rebel and need reconciliation through Christ’s sacrifice. Similarly, Christians are called to extend mercy, reflecting the boundless grace and love God has shown us. True forgiveness goes beyond keeping score and prepares the heart to forgive as God forgives.
inTerpret
The Meaning of Forgiveness
Forgiveness acknowledges wrongdoing and surrenders vengeance to God (Rom. 12:19). It doesn’t excuse harm or prevent seeking justice, as accountability is vital (Matt. 18; Ps. 89:14). Forgiveness is freely given, but trust must be earned, as shown by David’s cautious forgiveness of Saul (1 Sam. 24). True forgiveness allows healing while maintaining necessary boundaries.
inVite
Learning to Forgive
Forgiveness takes practice and can be guided by PREACH:
Pray for a softened heart (Ps. 51:10).
Remember the hurt and give it to God (1 Pet. 5:7).
Empathize with the offender’s perspective.
Assess your own flaws and recall God’s forgiveness.
Commit to forgive and release the burden.
Hold on to God when memories resurface.
Forgiveness frees you from pain, allowing Jesus to bring healing and peace.
inSight
The Unmerited Love of God
Ellen G. White highlights that forgiveness is rooted in God’s unmerited love. An unforgiving spirit shows a lack of connection to His grace. Believers must forgive others, regardless of their repentance, reflecting Christ’s mercy and tenderness. Harboring grudges blocks God’s mercy. Receiving His love enables believers to share hope, peace, and grace with others.
inQuire
•What does forgiveness mean, and what does it not mean?
•What has made God’s forgiveness real to you?
•What are the greatest benefits of forgiveness?
•How is refusing to forgive others a rejection of God’s forgiveness? (Mark 11:26).
•How does holding on to resentment injure our physical, mental, and emotional health?
•What principles from this week’s lesson on forgiveness can you apply right away?
