In the Beginning, Part 60: Forgiveness
Granting forgiveness is hard. Asking forgiveness is hard. Accepting forgiveness is hard. If you don’t think it’s hard, you probably aren’t doing it right.
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS FOR SHEPHERD GROUPS
- What was one thing about this message that you found particularly compelling, encouraging, challenging, or beneficial?
- Read and discuss Genesis 50:15-26. What stands out to you about the interaction between Joseph and his brothers?
- How is Joseph encouraging his brothers to rest in what God will do, not what Joseph will do? What is a current situation in which you need to rest in God instead of in someone or something else?
- Consider Genesis 50:20 and Romans 8:28. How do you respond to these verses? How is the contrast between religion and relationship on display here? How should we navigate the tension between the moral responsibility of man and the ultimate sovereignty of God?
- Why is the Bible the only place we can find true hope in a broken world?
- What is the difference between forgiveness and reconciliation?
- Why is it difficult to grant forgiveness, ask for forgiveness and/or accept forgiveness? How have you experienced or observed each of these? Which of these is most difficult for you?
- Why does the world see humility as weakness? By contrast, how does the Bible present humility?
- As you think back over this series, what has challenged or encouraged you from studying the book of Genesis?
- Spend some time in prayer, asking God to help you apply His Word by the power of the Holy Spirit and to put into practice the things He’s shown you.