OPENING QUESTIONS:

1. Share a story from a friend or a story you may have heard where someone forgave someone else that seemed exceptional. Why was that act of forgiveness exceptional?
2. When is it easy for you to forgive someone and when is it hard?

IN THE WORD:

1. Pastor Carter taught about forgiveness based on the story of Joseph. Have someone from your group re-tell that story. You can use Genesis 37 NIV, Genesis 42 NIV, and Genesis 45 NIV as a reference. What stands out to you about the story?
2. What reasons would Joseph have had to become bitter? How did he overcome bitterness?
3. What impact do you believe was made on Joseph’s brothers when they were forgiven and not punished?
4. Read Romans 12:17-21 NIV. What stands out? What questions do you have about those verses?

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:

1. Pastor Carter said, “Choose to forgive. You have to make an active choice of God’s will over following your emotions when forgiving others.” Is this hard for you to do personally? Why.
2. What would help you to be able to choose to forgive over following your emotions?
3. Phillip Yancy says this, “At last I understood: in the final analysis, forgiveness is an act of faith. By forgiving another, I am trusting that God is a better justice-maker than I am. By forgiving, I release my own right to get even and leave all issues of fairness for God to work out. I leave in God’s hands the scales that must balance justice and mercy.” If you lived by this, what impact would it have on you?
4. Forgiveness can be one-sided, but reconciliation requires two parties. Describe what this means in the context of romantic relationships.

MAKING IT PERSONAL:

1. If you are in a romantic relationship, what steps do you need to take to not let bitterness poison your heart?
2. Who do you need to forgive that may have hurt you?