Forgiveness & Peacemaking Discussion Guide
Desired Takeaway
Forgiveness and peacemaking aren’t just relational skills—they are spiritual practices that reflect the heart of God. This week, we’ll explore how choosing love over resentment and forgiveness over hate not only heals relationships but transforms our hearts to be more like Jesus.
Icebreaker
What's your go-to comfort food when you're feeling upset?
1. Lean In
Why do you think forgiveness is so difficult for most people, even those who follow Jesus? What emotions or fears tend to get in the way?
2. Look Down
Read Proverbs 10:12 and Proverbs 17:9.
3. Look Out
4. Look In
Reflect on a time when you struggled to forgive someone.
5. Live It Out
If forgiveness is the doorway to peacemaking, what would change in your life—and in your relationships—if you walked through that door more often?
What would it look like for you to take one step toward reconciliation this week?
Optional Exercises for the Week
Prayer Prompt
Father, You are the God of all comfort and healing. You forgave us completely through Jesus, and You invite us to be peacemakers in a hurting world. Lord, we bring to You the wounds we carry. Help us to loosen our grip on resentment, and take hold of Your peace instead. Teach us to love in a way that reflects Your heart—covering offenses, seeking reconciliation, and walking the hard road of forgiveness. Make us more like Jesus, the ultimate Peacemaker. Amen.
Forgiveness and peacemaking aren’t just relational skills—they are spiritual practices that reflect the heart of God. This week, we’ll explore how choosing love over resentment and forgiveness over hate not only heals relationships but transforms our hearts to be more like Jesus.
Icebreaker
What's your go-to comfort food when you're feeling upset?
1. Lean In
Why do you think forgiveness is so difficult for most people, even those who follow Jesus? What emotions or fears tend to get in the way?
2. Look Down
Read Proverbs 10:12 and Proverbs 17:9.
- What contrasts do these verses make between hate and love?
- What imagery or metaphors stand out to you in the language of these proverbs?
3. Look Out
- Think about our culture today. How do we typically respond to conflict or hurt?
- In what ways does society celebrate or normalize holding onto resentment?
- Where do you see peacemaking happening in unexpected places?
4. Look In
Reflect on a time when you struggled to forgive someone.
- What held you back?
- If you've since found peace, what helped move you toward forgiveness?
- What might it mean for you personally to “cover an offense with love” (Prov. 10:12) rather than “fasten on to a slight” (Prov. 17:9 MSG)?
5. Live It Out
If forgiveness is the doorway to peacemaking, what would change in your life—and in your relationships—if you walked through that door more often?
What would it look like for you to take one step toward reconciliation this week?
Optional Exercises for the Week
- Prayer Walk: Take a walk specifically to pray for someone who has hurt you. Don’t rush the process—just bring your pain and their name before God.
- Write a Letter (But Don’t Send It Yet): Write a letter to someone you need to forgive. Be honest, but try to express the desire for peace. Use it as a prayer tool.
- Scripture Reflection: Meditate on Colossians 3:13 and Matthew 5:9 each day this week. Journal what the Spirit might be speaking to you about forgiveness.
Prayer Prompt
Father, You are the God of all comfort and healing. You forgave us completely through Jesus, and You invite us to be peacemakers in a hurting world. Lord, we bring to You the wounds we carry. Help us to loosen our grip on resentment, and take hold of Your peace instead. Teach us to love in a way that reflects Your heart—covering offenses, seeking reconciliation, and walking the hard road of forgiveness. Make us more like Jesus, the ultimate Peacemaker. Amen.