There's a difference between living under the power of bitterness and living above the impact of someone's offense.
Talking Points:
- You can choose to live underneath the power of the offense, or above the impact. This means you can either let thoughts of the offense rule your emotions, or you can move past the bitterness for a better life.
- Bitterness is toxic. It will infect your emotions and will make you say and do things that will hurt others. Bitterness is just like an accelerant for the ember we already have inside of us.
- Just because you forgive the offender doesn’t mean they are off the hook for what they have done. They will begin to feel guilt and a sense of violation against you.
Discussion:
- Initial reactions to this topic? What jumped out at you?
- If you can, share about a time when someone hurt you with their words or actions. Did it make you angry? On a scale of 1-10, how hard was it to forgive that person? Explain.
- “Bitterness is very toxic. It is like poison.” Do you agree? Why or why not?
- Do you think the person who hurt you is at peace with what they’ve done? Explain.
- “You have the right to be healed.” Do you agree? Do you need the offender to ask for forgiveness before you can heal? Why or why not?
- Do you think you will hurt other people if you remain bitter and refuse to forgive? Explain.
- Do you think forgiveness can set you free? What will it take to get there?
- Is there a step you need to take based on today’s topic?
