The Joy in Forgiveness

John 8:3-11  &   Luke 23:39-43

Soul Food

“The teachers of the law and the Pharisees brought in a woman caught in adultery. They made her stand before the group and said to Jesus, “Teacher, this woman was caught in the act of adultery. In the Law Moses commanded us to stone such women.Now what do you say?” They were using this question as a trap,in order to have a basis for accusing him.

But Jesus bent down and started to write on the ground with his finger. When they kept on questioning him, he straightened up and said to them, “Let any one of you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her.” Again he stooped down and wrote on the ground.

At this, those who heard began to go away one at a time, the older ones first, until only Jesus was left, with the woman still standing there. Jesus straightened up and asked her, “Woman, where are they? Has no one condemned you?”

“No one, sir,” she said.

“Then neither do I condemn you,”Jesus declared. “Go now and leave your life of sin.”

– John 8:3-11 (NIV)

“One of the criminals who hung there hurled insults at him: “Aren’t you the Messiah? Save yourself and us!”

But the other criminal rebuked him. “Don’t you fear God,” he said, “since you are under the same sentence? We are punished justly, for we are getting what our deeds deserve. But this man has done nothing wrong.”

Then he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom. d ”

Jesus answered him, “Truly I tell you, today you will be with me in paradise.”

– Luke 23:39-43 (NIV)

Soul Search

• As you think about forgiveness, does someone come to mind who you need to forgive?
  Is it struggle to forgive that person – or those people?
  Why?
  Can you talk about it?

• As you think about forgiveness, can you think about something that you need God or another person - or both - to forgive you for?
  Are you prepared to confess your sin/failure/mistake/weakness so that you can receive forgiveness and healing?
  Are you able to talk about this?

• Can you describe what you think keeps you from forgiving someone?

• After receiving God’s forgiveness for your sins and failures, are you able to forgive yourself?
  If you struggle with forgiving yourself do you know why?

Soul Moves

• Ask God to help you resolve unresolved situations with people in your life.
  Ask Him for the courage and strength to face the situations and the people involved directly.

• To those you need to forgive, take first steps by speaking words of forgiveness over them – even before you see them in person.

• Ask God to forgive you for your sins against Him and against other people.

• Ask God to give you the courage and strength you need if you’re to apologize and ask for their forgiveness. 

• After you’ve received God’s forgiveness, ask Him to help you forgive yourself.