Unforgiveness and Resentment

Review:
We are made for relationship! We have covered how pride, poor communication, wrong priorities, and lack of trustworthiness can be Home Wreckers.
This week we will finish up with Unforgiveness and Resentment. Definitely Home Wreckers!

• FORGIVENESS, what it is and why it is available to us.

Romans 3:21–26 (ESV): But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— 22 the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: 23 for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, 24 and are justified by his grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, 25 whom God put forward as a propitiation by his blood, to be received by faith. This was to show God’s righteousness, because in his divine forbearance he had passed over former sins. 26 It was to show his righteousness at the present time, so that he might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.

• Propitiation; the means by which sins are forgiven— ‘the means of forgiveness, expiation.’

John 3:16 (ESV)
• Live forgiven. Forgiveness is an ongoing lifestyle.
1 John 1:8–10 (ESV)
Psalm 103:8–13 (ESV): The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. 9 He will not always chide, nor will he keep his anger forever. 10 He does not deal with us according to our sins, nor repay us according to our iniquities. 11 For as high as the heavens are above the earth, so great is his steadfast love toward those who fear him; 12 as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

• Help me believe! Stay the course!

John 6:29 (ESV): 29 Jesus answered them, “This is the work of God, that you believe in him whom he has sent.”

Forgiveness, a character strength and process.
• Improves psychological well-being, physical health and longevity.
• Serves as a protective against poor health and psychological consequences.
• Common misconceptions about forgiveness prevent the benefits it offers.
• Benefits of forgiveness are most significant for the one who has been hurt.
• Unforgiveness is the practice of engaging in ruminative thoughts of anger, vengeance, hate and resentment.
• Unproductive out comes of unforgiveness, increased anxiety, depression, elevated blood pressure, vascular resistance, decreased immune response and coronary artery disease.

Forgiveness is a pathway to psychological well-being and health outcomes. (Norman, Kathi)

Matthew 18:21-35. A story of Jesus and what he says about forgiveness.
Forgiveness brings… Unforgiveness is the opposite.
• Provision. Forgiveness provides relational abundance and rest.
• Freedom. Freedom from resentment.
• Power. Power to live out the path God has set for you.
• Authority. To model, teach and disciple others how to forgive and live forgiven.

1 Corinthians 13:4–8 (ESV): Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant 5 or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; 6 it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. 7 Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. 8 Love never ends.
God invites us in!

Colossians 3:12–14 (ESV)
Matthew 11:28–30 (ESV)

QUESTIONS TO REFLECT AND DISCUSS:
Passages to consider: Hebrews 12:14-15; Matthew 18:15-17; Ephesians 4:32; Colossians 3:12
Sermon Reflection – What from the sermon was particularly meaningful to you?
1. Read Psalm 103:6-12 & Luke 7:36-50. What do you see in these passages about God, people and forgiveness?
2. What helps you remember the forgiveness God has given you? A) What have you learned about yourself when it comes to forgiveness and unforgiveness?
3. Look at Hebrews 12:14-15 & Ephesians 4:29-32. How do you recognize when you are functioning with unforgiveness, resentment or bitterness? A)What have you noticed about this area in the midst of your relationships with family, close friends, co-workers, or neighbors?
4. Forgiveness is like a one-way street – you can choose forgiveness. Reconciliation is a two-way street – it takes both parties involved to bring reconciliation. What helps you move from unforgiving to forgiving with your own perspective in the midst of your relationships? A)what can be stumbling blocks in your journey of forgiving?
5. Challenge: For the next 30 days, work to spend time daily – slowly reading over Matthew 6:9-13 and praying it back to your Heavenly Father. It will take about 5 minutes. Look to see what God does in your heart and relationships.
6. Through this series what has God shown you about “home wreckers” in your home sphere? What is your next step in response to Him?
Resources:
● https://www.bettermarriages.org/for-couples/learning/book-reviews/the-five-languages-of-apology/ and https://www.5lovelanguages.com/quizzes/apology-quiz/