Defining Moments FORGIVENESS - Week 2 Discussion Guide

Home , Christian Bale, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer

This week in our Defining Moments series, we are continuing to look at how life- changing experiences can help us learn to live more like Jesus. • Who was the best Batman? (Adam West, Michael Keaton, George Clooney, Val Kilmer, Ben Affleck, Christian Bale)

Revenge may be one of the most human emotions. We have a natural desire for the world to be fair. When someone violates that sense of fairness it can lead to a desire for revenge. • Have you felt the desire for revenge? • Did you act upon it? • What was the result?

Judges 16:28 Then Samson prayed to the Lord, “Sovereign Lord, remember me. Please, God, strengthen me just once more, and let me with one blow get revenge on the Philistines for my two eyes.”

Luke 23:34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” • Reflect on these two prayers and talk about the differences. • Which one of these prayers do you see yourself praying?

When we seek revenge, we focus more on the event and it plays over and over in our minds. However, when we offer forgiveness, we are able to let go and move on. Your ability to give and receive forgiveness determines your freedom. • Have you experienced forgiveness from someone when you may not have deserved it?

Real forgiveness is about giving up the need for revenge, for justice. Understand that it is a process, but it starts with releasing the desire for revenge. Letting go. As you do that you can start to move on. Forgiveness begins with us, and that comes from Jesus and the cross.

PRAY FOR YOURSELF & YOUR GROUP Is there someone in your life that you need to forgive? Pray for God to show you and to help you forgive and find freedom.

PRAY FOR OUR OUTREACH PARTNERS Pray for the community and for our country. Pray to keep focused on God and know that He is in control, regardless of the outcome of the upcoming election. Pray that we will move in rhythm with Him and where He is leading each of us. Pray for protection over minds and hearts, and with eyes on Jesus that will keep us from strife and divisiveness.