Episode 52 - Forgiveness

Forgiveness is hard to talk about and even hard to put into practice.  Join Brooklyn and Karen as they discuss what forgiveness is, and what it isn’t.  They will break down why our theology of God is crucial to understanding forgiveness, and how unforgiveness can affect us negatively. Our prayers are with those who will listen to this podcast who have been deeply hurt and are struggling to forgive. Please know that we recognize and do not make light of the pain you have experienced.

As always, we encourage you to go deeper into this discussion with a friend or small group.  Here are some questions to facilitate that discussion:

1. Do you struggle with forgiveness, or are you quick to forgive? Does it depend on who you are needing to forgive?
2. Why is forgiveness hard? Why do we want to cling to our pain?
3. After hearing what Karen and Brooklyn shared, what are some misconceptions you have held about forgiveness? (ex. Forgiving means forgetting.)
4. Have you ever been mad at God? Discuss why God doesn’t need our forgiveness.
5. Have you ever felt the need to forgive yourself? React to hearing Karen explain that this is not a biblical idea, but instead that we need to “live forgiven” (accept God’s forgiveness).
6. Why do we need to have a proper understanding of our own sinfulness and need for forgiveness? (Ephesians 4:32, Colossians 3:13)
7. Are you able to see that forgiveness is God’s mercy - that God asks us to forgive so that we can live free from past hurts and trauma?
8. Without naming names, briefly share a situation in which you struggle to forgive.  What is your next step toward forgiving that individual?