MEETING AGENDA
- OPENING PRAYER – Ask one person to open the meeting in prayer.
- GROWTH QUESTIONS – Ask everyone the Growth Questions.
- ATTENDANCE – Take attendance through the DG Attendance System.
- TODAY’S LESSON – Go over this week’s DG lesson.
- GIVING – Encourage everyone to give on the App.
- CLOSING PRAYER – Ask for prayer requests and pray.
CHOOSE FORGIVENESS
TODAY’S PASSAGE:
2 Corinthians 2:1-11 (NLT) 2 So I decided that I would not bring you grief with another painful visit. 2 For if I cause you grief, who will make me glad? Certainly not someone I have grieved. 3 That is why I wrote to you as I did, so that when I do come, I won’t be grieved by the very ones who ought to give me the greatest joy. Surely you all know that my joy comes from your being joyful. 4 I wrote that letter in great anguish, with a troubled heart and many tears. I didn’t want to grieve you, but I wanted to let you know how much love I have for you. 5 I am not overstating it when I say that the man who caused all the trouble hurt all of you more than he hurt me. 6 Most of you opposed him, and that was punishment enough. 7 Now, however, it is time to forgive and comfort him. Otherwise he may be overcome by discouragement. 8 So I urge you now to reaffirm your love for him. 9 I wrote to you as I did to test you and see if you would fully comply with my instructions. 10 When you forgive this man, I forgive him, too. And when I forgive whatever needs to be forgiven, I do so with Christ’s authority for your benefit, 11 so that Satan will not outsmart us. For we are familiar with his evil schemes.
- In today’s passage, Paul is writing to a group of people that he previously had to painfully correct (see 1 Corinthians 5).
- There is no such thing as “comfortable” correction. It’s always painful.
Hebrews 12:11 (CEV) – It is never fun to be corrected. In fact, at the time it is always painful. But if we learn to obey by being corrected, we will do right and live at peace.
- In fact, Paul makes it clear that being a leader that has to correct someone can be just as painful as being the one to receive the correction (v. 4).
- But the most loving thing a good leader can do is bring correction when needed.
Hebrews 12:6 (AMP) – For the Lord disciplines and corrects those whom He loves, And He punishes every son whom He receives and welcomes [to His heart].”
- God loves us too much to leave us broken, bound, and failing, so He brings correction and helps us to get back on track.
- One of the ways that God shows us His love is through correction.
- After telling the Corinthian church how painful the correction process has been, Paul commands them to forgive.
- This should remind all of us that unforgiveness has no place in the body of Christ.
Matthew 6:15 (NLT) – But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.
- DEFINITION – forgive (aphiēmi): to let go or give up a debt by not demanding payment for it; to cancel a debt or refrain from receiving payment for a debt
- Forgiveness is not denying the offense or the debt, but choosing to forgo payment for it.
- The Bible makes it clear that all of us owe a debt that we need God to forgive, something that none of us can make up for or repay on our own.
Romans 3:23 (GW) – Because all people have sinned, they have fallen short of God’s glory.
- Jesus made it clear that God would not forgive us if we would not forgive others, and we all need that forgiveness.
- That’s why it’s a necessity for us to forgive others and release them from the debts they owe us.
- Another important reason we must forgive is to avoid the trap of the enemy.
- One of Satan’s best strategies is to keep us in unforgiveness and suffering the longstanding bitterness that follows.
- That’s why Paul urges us to be quick to forgive.
Ephesians 4:26-27 (AMP) – 26 Be angry [at sin—at immorality, at injustice, at ungodly behavior], yet do not sin; do not let your anger [cause you shame, nor allow it to] last until the sun goes down. 27 And do not give the devil an opportunity [to lead you into sin by holding a grudge, or nurturing anger, or harboring resentment, or cultivating bitterness].
- Don’t let Satan outsmart you by holding on to an offense.
- When you have been treated wrong, don’t get stuck there! Choose to forgive!
Ephesisans 4:31-32 (NLT) – 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. 32 Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.