Preparing My Heart-Sunday Morning (7-3-11) Blessed are the Merciful

by Calvary Baptist Church of Charlotte, MI on Thursday, June 30, 2011 at 9:30am

Forgivenness is something that we enjoy receiving, but it can be very difficult to give. We sing about the mercy of God and yet we don't have mercy towards another who has wronged us. Sunday morning's message will focus on God's mercy towards us. Then, in response to God's mercy, why and how we should forgive others.

1. Read Matthew 5:7 and Ephesians 4:32

a. Why has God forgiven us?

b. How should we respond to God's forgiveness?

c. What makes it difficult for us to forgive others?

d. What should be our motive to forgive others?

2. Read Matthew 18:21-35

a. What was Peter's question?

b. How did Jesus answer?

c. How much was the first servant forgiven?

d. How did the first servant respond to the servant who owed him a small sum of money?

e. What is the main lesson of the parable?

3. Sometimes, we don't forgive because we feel the hurt is too much for us to forgive.

a. How did Jesus suffer hurt for us? (Isaiah 53:3-7; Psalm 22:6,7,16)

b. How has God dealt with us who have sinned so greatly against Him? (Ephesians 2:1-5; Isaiah 43:25)

4. Sometimes, we feel as though someone doesn't deserve forgiveness. How has God treated us?

(Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:4-9)

5. We may think that if we forgive someone then they will suffer no consequences for what they did?

What does God say? (Romans 12:19)

6. How can we deal with feelings of hurt even if we forgive? (Luke 6:27-31; Romans 12:17-21)

7. What are some of the consequences of not forgiving another?

a. Matthew 6:14-15

b. 2Corinthians 2:10-11

c. Matthew 18:32-35

8. Are you carrying any bitterness in your heart? In light of this lesson, why?