Bible Study On Theme Of Forgiveness

Bible study on theme of forgiveness for a home group

‘Forgiveness is the best form of love.  It takes a strong person to say sorry, and an even stronger person to forgive.’ (Anon)

1. What comes to your mind when you hear the word ‘Forgiveness’?
2. Share an experience when you have had to forgive someone.  Was it easy or difficult? How did it feel?  What were the consequences of forgiving that person?
3. Have you ever been forgiven by someone?  How did that feel?
4. Read Isaiah 53:5 & 1 Peter 2:23-24 What does Jesus’ death on the cross mean for you?  How does the knowledge that God forgives us help us to forgive others?
5. Read 1 John 1:9-10 What does it mean to confess our sins? 
6. Read Matthew 9:1-8 Why do you think Jesus first forgives the paralysed man, before healing him?  What does this say about forgiveness?
7. Why do you think forgiveness is so important?
8. Read Matthew 6:9-15 what does this teach us about forgiveness?
9. Read Matthew 18:21-35 How do we begin to forgive? What does this passage tell us about the nature of forgiveness?
10. What are the barriers to forgiveness? 
11. What is forgiveness NOT?
12. What are the benefits of being able to forgive someone

To consider over the coming week: Is there anyone you need to seek forgiveness from, or to forgive?