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CONNECTION: You Can Talk to God! 
 Pastor Rob Carlson: "Taking Care of Unfinished Business"
or "How to Get Over a Hurt" (Part Two)
December 29, 2002 - Matthew 6:12, 14-15 
[ Part One ]

 

Revenge never releases resentment. 

There is only one antidote to getting over hurt: forgiveness 

Matthew 6:12,14-15--Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors... For if you forgive men when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

 

WHY FORGIVE?

1. God has forgiven me. 

Colossians 3:13 [LB]--Be ready to forgive, never hold grudges. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. 

 

2. Resentment doesn't work. 

Job 5:2 [TEV]--To worry yourself to death with resentment would be a foolish, senseless thing to do. 

Job 18:4 [TEV]--You are only hurting yourself with your anger. 

 

3. I'll need forgiveness in the future. 

Mark 11:25 [LB]--When you are praying, first forgive anyone you are holding a grudge against, so that your Father in heaven will forgive you your sins too. 

 

HOW TO GET OVER A HURT

1. Never retaliate! 

Proverbs 20:22 [TEV]--Don't take it on yourself or repay a wrong. Trust the Lord and He will make it right. 

 

2. Deal with it immediately! 

Ephesians 4:26-27 [LB]--Don't sin by nursing your grudge. Don't let the sun go down with you still angry--get over it quickly; for when you are angry you give a mighty foothold to the devil. 

Matthew 5:24 [TEV]--Go at once to make peace with your brother... 

Emotion always follows motion. 

 

3. Forgive them whether asked or not! 

Ephesians 4:32 [JB]--...Forgive each other as readily as God forgave you in Christ. 

 

4. Do good to them! 

Luke 6:27-28, 35 [TEV]--Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who mistreat you... you will have a great reward... 

There are 4 positive actions: 

 

Small Group Discussion Questions: 

  1. What is it about resentment that makes us miserable?   
  2. Review the points and Bible verses from this lesson. What personal application can you make from this week's teaching? 
  3. In your mind, what is the key to being able to sincerely forgive someone who has badly hurt you?  
  4. Take some time right now to pray for the needs of those in your small group. 

*Scripture is quoted from the New International Version unless otherwise noted.
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