Series Introduction - Kelly Welcome In this miniseries we are discovering the different aspects of forgiveness. This is our third and final webisode. Up Next: Last time we defined forgiveness.

Series Introduction (Cont) - Kelly In the first webisode we defined forgiveness In the second webisode we looked at forgiving yourself. Up Next: Today, we will close be discussing…

Series Introduction (Cont.) - Kelly Today we will close by discussing forgiving others. Up Next: God has forgiven us… (Danae)

Introduction - Danae God has forgiven us and has asked us to forgive others just as he has. Up Next: It is easy to forgive those whose offense…

Introduction (Cont.) - Danae It is easy to forgive those whose offense is small but difficult when those who have hurt us or taken something away from us. Up next: We find an example in the Bible…

Introduction (Cont.) - Danae We find an example in the Bible about a father forgiving his son after his son made horrible decisions and caused pain to his family. Up Next: Luke 15:11-32

Luke 15:11-32 Jesus continued: “There was a man who had two sons. The younger one said to his father, ‘Father, give me my share of the estate.’ So he divided his property between them. “Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 14 After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. 15 So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. 16 He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 17 “When he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! 18 I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. 19 I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.’ 20 So he got up and went to his father.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. 21 “The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 22 “But the father said to his servants, ‘Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. 23 Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let’s have a feast and celebrate. 24 For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ So they began to celebrate.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 25 “Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. 26 So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. 27 ‘Your brother has come,’ he replied, ‘and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 28 “The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. 29 But he answered his father, ‘Look! All these years I’ve been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 30 But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!’ 31 “‘My son,’ the father said, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.

Luke 15:11-32 (Cont.) 32 But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’” Up Next: An Act of Betrayal (Danae)

An Act of Betrayal - Danae An Act of Betrayal: The son asked his father to be on his own. Up Next: Culture of that time…

An Act of Betrayal (Cont.) - Danae Culture at the time – Children didn’t leave home until they got married and didn’t receive their inheritance until the father died. Up Next: This son walked away from his…

An Act of Betrayal - Danae This son walked away from his father’s provision and blessing. Sometimes we do the same. Up Next: We take our talents and gifts…

An Act of Betrayal - Danae We take our talents and gifts and use them the way we think they should be used. The father in this story represents God. God gives gifts and blessings and it’s our choice to live with him or on our own. Up Next: The son did not realize the pain…

An Act of Betrayal - Danae The son did not realize the pain he inflicted on his father. Up Next: Hitting Rock Bottom - Kelly

Hitting Rock Bottom - Kelly Hitting Rock Bottom: The son realized how far he had gone and what he had lost. When we hit rock bottom we realize we had it made when we were walking with Jesus. Up Next: Sometimes we have to learn the hard…

Hitting Rock Bottom - Kelly Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. The father knew what was happening but allowed his son to make his own decisions because he loved him. Up Next: Just as the son was humbled…

Hitting Rock Bottom - Kelly Just as the son was humbled – we too need to humble ourselves and return to the blessings of God. Only God can work in the heart of the one who offended us. We still have to choose to forgive. Up Next: We need to humble ourselves…

Hitting Rock Bottom - Kelly We need to humble ourselves and let go of the pain and bitterness. Up Next: Reconciliation (Danae)

Reconciliation - Danae Reconciliation: The father accepted his son back home and family with no strings attached. Up Next: In the same way, we must…

Reconciliation (Cont.) - Danae In the same way, we cannot judge what is in their hearts. We must choose to let go of the pain and forgive. Up Next: Misplaced Jealousy and Hurt (Kelly)

Misplaced Jealousy & Hurt - Kelly Misplaced Jealousy and Hurt: We are not better than anyone else; we all need forgiveness We need to celebrate and not be spiteful when others get back on track. Up Next: Closing (Kelly)

Closing - Kelly The son came back and asked for forgiveness. Sometimes the person doesn’t ask for forgiveness but we need to forgive them anyway. Up Next: Matthew 5:38-44

Matthew 5: “You have heard that it was said, ‘Eye for eye, and tooth for tooth.’ 39 But I tell you, do not resist an evil person. If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other cheek also. 40 And if anyone wants to sue you and take your shirt, hand over your coat as well. 41 If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.

Matthew 5:38-44 (Cont.) 42 Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you. 43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’

Matthew 5:38-44 (Cont.) 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, Up Next: Prayer

Conclusion Prayer Thank you for joining us today. We would like to encourage you to discuss this topic with your group or us your thoughts.