A Faith that Stands

Table of Contents
MONTH 1: FORGIVENESS
Week 1
A Forgiveness - How do I Begin? (Matthew 6:14-15)
B Stones of Pain (Romans 12:19) (1 Peter 3:9)
C Ask for God’s Help (Psalm 121:1-8)
D Let Love invade the holes (Luke 6:26-31) (Ephesians 4:30-32)
E Pray for those who Persecute You (Matt. 5:43-45)
F Never stop Praying (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)
Week 2
A So Right we’re wrong (1 Kings 8:46-51) (Prov. 3:7)
B Our Attitude (Philippians 2:1-11) (Hebrews 4:12)
C It’s Not Fair! (Jonah 3 & 4)
D Humility (Luke 1) (Philippians 2:5-11)
E Skipping Steps (Philippians 2:12-18)
F There is healing in an apology (James 5:16)
Week 3
A How to Love Well (1 John 4:7-12) (Prov. 25:21-22)
B False Harmony (Ephesians 4:25, 5:10-11)
C Forgiving Family (Matthew 18:21-3)
D Easily Offended (Col. 3:12-14) (Prov. 18:17-19)
E Accountability-Forgiveness (Hebrews 3:7-15) (Colossians 3:13-14)
F My Shame (Psalm 34:4-5) (Isaiah 50:7) (Romans 8:1-4)
Week 4
A Search My Heart (Psalm 7:10-17) (Matt. 5:43-45)
B Action over thoughts (James 2:14-26)
C Sin Affects our Physical Health (Psalm 38:1-8)
D Spiritual Freedom (Galatians 5:13)
E Never too far Gone! (Hosea 6:1-3)
F Tell of the Victory! (Acts 12)

MONTH 2: GRACE AND KINDNESS
Week 5
A Taming the Tongue (James 3:1-12)
B Who left the door open? (Proverbs 21:23)
C The Weapon of Woe (Ephesians 4:29) (James 3:1-12)
D Destruction at its best (Psalm 5:8-10) (Luke 6:27-36)
E Think Before You Speak (Isaiah 32)
F Just Be Kind (Micah 6:8) (Proverbs 11:17)
Week 6
A Always be Prepared (1 Peter 1:13, 3:10-16)
B The 10% (Job 1:1-20)
C The 90% (Job 1:21) & (2 Corinthians 6:3-10)

Monthly Topics:

FORGIVENESS
GRACE AND KINDNESS
SELF-CONTROL AND WISDOM
BOLDNESS AND UNWAVERING TRUTH
A HEART OF SURRENDER AND HUMILITY
TRUST AND PATIENCE
PURPOSE THROUGH CHRIST
SELFLESSNESS AND GENEROSITY
PEACE, CONTENTMENT, AND GRATEFULNESS
A SPIRIT-CENTERED MINDSET
A LIFE OF WORSHIP
WILL NEVER BE SHAKEN

Forgiveness: How do I Begin?
WEEK 1 A
(Matthew 6:14-15)

One of the hardest things to do in life is to forgive someone who has wronged us deeply; someone who has taken something from us; our innocence, our freedom, marriage, childhood, or loved ones. The process of forgiving someone who has inflicted physical or emotional pain on us can be extremely heart wrenching. Jesus asks us to forgive one another, but how do we begin such a feat?
I have often heard sermons that speak of forgiving others, but I’ve rarely heard where to begin on the journey. For today I will only look at the starting point, as forgiveness is certainly a process that is a journey all on its own.
Matthew 6:14-15 (NLT) says, “If you forgive those who sin against you, your heavenly Father will forgive you. But if you refuse to forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins.”
Ouch. Amid severe turmoil, I have read this passage only to feel chastised to the core. The feelings of anger toward God for expecting me to be so righteous while feeling so wronged has left me feeling alone in my pain. But those feelings of hurt do not represent the character of who God really is. God has always wanted healing for me and freedom from the pain that has entrapped me. He has pursued me in my most unyielding times and has gently turned me to Him.
Do you see the word REFUSE in verse 15? In my experience, refusing to take the first step toward forgiveness, and ultimately my own healing it what has left me stuck, unable to move forward. My desire for justice in wanting my offender to be “taken down a notch”, has paralyzed any efforts I may have wanted to make for fear of letting him or her off the hook.
Fortunately, God has patiently shown me that forgiving others is not for their sake; it is for mine. It is giving me the greatest gift I could ever have; a peace that passes all understanding and ultimately God’s forgiveness for my own sin.
I encourage you today that if there is someone you need to forgive but the task seems too great, you will begin by praying for God to instill a spirit of willingness. Your allowance to start the process is what God is asking you, and He does not leave you to do this on your own. Complete forgiveness cannot happen without the Holy Spirit’s help and taking this baby step will be key to reaching true freedom and peace in Christ.

Week 1 Reflections:

1. After reviewing the Scriptures for each day, name 3 passages that jumped out at you.
2. How can you practically apply these verses to your life today and this week?
3. Has someone hurt you recently or in the past that you have “refused” to forgive? Some of the signs of unforgiveness might be talking negatively about someone, constantly thinking about the pain, jealousy toward someone, or sweeping the hurt completely under the carpet.
4. What first step are you willing to take toward forgiving? This could even be forgiving yourself.
5. What is your first response to the idea of praying for those people who have hurt you?
6. How does God want to help you get to this point, if you haven’t already?
7. What is the danger for all of us if we choose NOT to forgive?
8. Write out a prayer to God that earnestly seeks His help in the area of forgiveness.