Life Group Questions - June 14th

Ice Breaker Question: Share about a time when you successfully "built a bridge and got over" a situation that could have become a long-term offense. What helped you move forward?


Discussion Questions:
Part 1: Understanding Offense
  1. Pastor Rino shared that Peter was publicly corrected by Paul (Galatians 2), yet years later spoke highly of him in his letters. What does this teach us about forgiveness and moving forward?
  2. Jesus said in Luke 17:1, "It is inevitable that stumbling blocks come." Why do you think offenses are unavoidable in relationships, even among believers?
  3. The sermon described offense as "the trigger of a trap" (scandalon in Greek). How have you seen offense trap people—or yourself—in the past?
  4. Discuss this statement: "Letting go of wounds is not for their sake—it's for yours." Why is this perspective so important?

Part 2: The Four Principles
Principle 1: Practice Brotherly Love
  • "True love is more than a feeling—it's a choice to seek the good in others."
  1. Pastor gave a test for forgiveness: "Would you be happy if they won the lottery?" What does this reveal about the difference between saying we've forgiven and truly forgiving from the heart?
  2. Share about a time when you had to choose to love someone despite your feelings. What helped you make that choice?
Principle 2: Walk in Humility
  • "Pride goes before destruction" (Proverbs 16:18)
  1. How does pride keep us from reconciling with others? What's the connection between humility and forgiveness?
  2. The practical application says to "seek to understand before being understood." How might this change the way you approach conflicts?
Principle 3: Respond with Blessing, Not Retaliation
  • "Not returning evil for evil...but giving a blessing instead" (1 Peter 3:9)
  1. Why is it so difficult to bless those who have hurt us? What does it look like practically to pray for someone who has wronged you?
  2. The sermon says, "Vengeance is mine, says the Lord." Why is it important to let God be our defender rather than defending ourselves?
Principle 4: Grow in Godly Character
  • "We are Christ's reflection"
  1. How does holding onto offense affect our witness as Christians? What does it communicate to those watching our lives?
  2. Pastor mentioned evaluating your character daily. What would this look like as a practical habit?

Part 3: Personal Application
  1. The sermon mentioned that "darkness is legal access"—any area of unforgiveness gives the enemy a foothold. Are there any areas in your life where you've given the enemy legal access through unforgiveness?
  2. Pastor shared: "We always hold on to the things we should let go, and we always let go of the things we should hold on to." What's something you need to let go of? What's something you need to hold on to?
  3. What walls have you built to protect yourself from being hurt again? How might those walls be preventing you from experiencing deeper relationships?