How to Love Difficult People: How to Love Those Who Hurt You

Introduction:

How can I love someone after a hurt? (Genesis 45:1-15)

When I trust God is at work...

  1. I reject Revenge . (Gen 45:1-3)
  2. I recognize God redeems wrongs . (Gen 45:4-8)

    Romans 8:28 - And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.

  3. I release My resentment . (Gen 45:5,9-13)

    Genesis 41:51-52 - Joseph called the name of the firstborn Manasseh. "For," he said, "God has made me forget all my hardship and all my father's house." The name of the second he called Ephraim, "For God has made me fruitful in the land of my affliction."

  4. I run After reconciliation . (Gen 45:14-15)

    Romans 12:18 - If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all.

Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!

Small Group Discussion
Read Genesis 45:1-15

  1. What was your big take-away from this passage / message?

  2. Why is our natural reaction to hurt that we should “get even”?

  3. Have you seen God redeem wrongs against you? How should seeing God at work free you from carrying resentment?

  4. As difficult as forgiveness can be in some situations, why are we called to continually forgive?

  5. Why do we “run after” reconciliation?

Breakout
Pray for one another.