Read Matthew 5:43-48 

DISCUSSION:

    What does it mean to be perfect as God is perfect?

God calls us into the world to be more like him. To love. To bless. To forgive. To encourage....

He also tells us to love our enemies. An enemy can be anyone who has offended us or hurt us in any way. 

DISCUSSION:

    In a practical way for you in your life now, what does it look like to love your enemy?

My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires.  James 1:19-20

DISCUSSION:

    In what ways do you see human anger producing something different than the righteousness that God desires?

    Have you seen examples of people living a life that produces the righteousness that God desires?

Change starts in the interior. Change starts when we receive the love of God in our own hearts. He does the work in us.

This change is often connected to our ability to forgive. Forgiveness sets us free.

Three Stages of Forgiveness

1. Rediscover the humanity of the person who hurt you.

2. Surrender the right to get even.

3. Let the Spirit of God revise your thoughts and feelings about the person.

DISCUSSION:

    How are you doing at forgiving?

    Is there a step that you need to take to move your heart towards forgiveness?

    Read Romans 5:8-10. Discuss this passage and how it can enable us to forgive.