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Congratulations to the Merciful
Introduction:
Who Are The "Merciful"? (Matthew 5:7)
Ephesians 2:4 - But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us...
Titus 3:5 - he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy...
Acts 7:60 - And falling to his knees he cried out with a loud voice, "Lord, do not hold this sin against them."
Why Are We Congratulating the Merciful?
Matthew 6:12 - and forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.
Matthew 6:14 - For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you...
Luke 6:37 - ...forgive, and you will be forgiven...
Ephesians 4:32 - Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.
Colossians 3:13 - ...forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.
How Can I Be Merciful?
Matthew 18:21
5 Excuses People Give for Not Forgiving:
- They have to Come To Me .
- I'll forgive but I won't Forget .
- They'll just do it Again .
- They don't want to Reconcile .
- I just Can't .
Sermon Notes (PDF): BLANK
Hint: Highlight blanks above for answers!
Small Group Discussion
Read Matthew 5:7 and Matthew 18:21-35
What was your big take-away from this passage / message?
Is Jesus teaching that receiving mercy (from God) is contingent on giving mercy (to others)? Why or why not?
What does it mean that the word “mercy” is associated with feelings? In other words - what role do feelings play in being merciful?
Give a short summary of the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35). What’s the main point of the parable?
How would you respond to someone in your small group who says “I will never forgive that person for what they did.”?
Breakout
Pray for one another. Who do you need to forgive? Hold each other accountable to pray for that person and reach out to them.