Groups Discussion Guide

Forgive and You Will Be Forgiven

In this group how is God working?

Can we encourage others by sharing your story or the stories from others in your group?
Let us hear from you: pathwaychurch.com/share

BIG IDEA:
The Savior forgives us and calls us to forgive others.
TEACHING POINTS:
  • • Forgiveness is the act of pardoning an offender.
  • • There are four stages of forgiveness: Hurt, Hate, Hook, and Healing. We see these stages in the story of Joseph and Mary as they deal with an unwanted pregnancy.
  • • Forgiveness is not an event, it’s a process.
SCRIPTURE: Matthew 1:18-25 NIV

Discussion Guide will be posted on Sunday at 3pm.

OPENING QUESTIONS:
  1. From last week’s message, Fear Not, how did you deal with fear or help someone else deal with fear?
  2. What is one thing that you are thankful for this week?
  3. What is something that was stressful or difficult this week and how can we help?
IN THE WORD:
  1. Why was Joseph hurt when he found out about Mary’s pregnancy? Matthew 1:18-19 NIV
  2. Do you think Joseph believed Mary’s story? Why or why not? Matthew 1:18-19 NIV
  3. What were some of the fears that Joseph was experiencing? Matthew 1:18-19 NIV
  4. How were those fears keeping him from forgiving? Matthew 1:18-19 NIV
  5. How might this story have changed if Joseph had not forgiven? Matthew 1:18-25 NIV
  6.  Forgiveness is not just an option, but a command. How does that play out? Matthew 18:21-35 NIV

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS:
  1. What is it about unforgiveness that is a trap?
  2. Is there someone you need to forgive or ask forgiveness of? What could be a first step this week?
  3. How might Christmas this year be more meaningful for you in light of this story?

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