|
LIFE GROUP DISCUSSION GUIDE
Wednesday Night, January 31, 2007
“Turning the Other Cheek”
5 Minutes - Welcome / Prayer
5 Minutes - OPEN
When you are wronged by someone, what are your first human instincts and normal reactions?
( ) Anger ( ) Hurt
( ) Hate ( ) Retaliation
( ) Other emotions?
Of all the things you are called upon to do in life, how would you rank (on a scale of 1 to 10) the difficulty you have in forgiving someone who has wronged you?
How many of you are dealing with a forgiveness matter in your life tonight?
15 Minutes - DIG
In his sermon Sunday Night, Chuck reviewed an episode in King David’s life which serves as a wonderful case study for this discussion. It involves an encounter he has with a man named Shimei and the account begins in 2 Samuel 16:5-14.
After reading the account, take a minute and highlight the events with particular emphasis on David’s reaction to the mistreatment he has just received.
After Absalom’s rebellion had been crushed, Shimei appears on the scene in 2 Samuel 19:15-23 a more humble and repentant soul begging for forgiveness. No doubt his words, “I have sinned” (v.20) struck a chord with David (12:13). It had not been too long before that he felt the same remorse.
Describe the emotions involved in truly being repentant.
If the relationship between David and Shimei had ended there, it would be a model for all to follow. But it doesn’t!
Look ahead to 1 Kings 2:1-10. Now at the end of his life, particularly notice David’s departing words to Solomon regarding Shimei.
And from this text, it appears that with this on his mind he takes his last breath (vv. 1, 10) and dies.
How can it be? What saddens you about David carrying these feelings with him to his grave? In your mind, what didn’t happen that prevented David from ever forgiving Shimei?
15 Minutes - REFLECT
If David, a man portrayed in scripture as “a man after God’s own heart” struggled to forgive, let’s acknowledge the great challenge this will be for us.
Who are the Shimei’s in your life?
Jesus’ words in Mt. 5:38-48 are revolutionary. This is at the heart of the gospel message!
What are the ways you have put in practice the ability to forgive and forget and rediscover a new and deeper relationship with someone with whom you have been at odds?
5 Minutes - CLOSING PRAYER
What keeps us from putting in practice the instruction Jesus gave us in Mt. 18:15-20?
For you to be able to invite someone back into your life, what are the specific things for which we need to pray tonight?
|
facebook
twitter (@pvcclr)
google plus
rss
