Starter: (In pairs for 5 minutes)
How does it feel to forgive someone?
WORSHIP:
Perhaps focus on the continual forgiveness of God.
READING : Matt 18: 15-20
Read aloud, then allow time for everyone to re-read it for themselves along with the commentary and the personal focus questions – and reflect alone.
RE-READ PASSAGE AND COMMENTARY(Silent personal reflection)
PERSONAL FOCUS(Silent reflection on the passage / commentary & personal focus questions)
Commentary:
The 18th chapter of Matthew offers some very practical guidance for Christian community living. The early part makes uncomfortable reading reflecting groups members vying with each other to be the greatest [vv1-4]. Others had simply 'lost the plot', misled by the world. While still others, both individuals and groups, had simply become lost to the church like 'straying sheep'.[v 10-14]
Against such a background, strategies for facing difficulties and resolving conflicts are imperative. The first strategy is to avoid situations which create tension [1-10]; to make peace with each other by affirming one another's significance and importance [12-14]. Where difficulties continue some strategies for settling confrontation are offered [15-17]. Prayer is to be used to provide the power for gathering and uniting people [18-20].
What matters to Matthew is not some power structure but whether Jesus' goal of reconciliation and peace is being met through the parties finding agreement. When two of you on earth agree, says Jesus, then I am there among them [v.20]. In the Jewish tradition it took 10 heads of households to make a gathering [synagogue] but in Jesus gatherings [church] only two or three are needed to meet in his name. [V20] [Based on Peter Price Living faith in the world through word and action]
Personal Focus Questions :
1. 1. What thoughts come to mind as you read this passage?
What might God be saying to you?
2. Relate a time when you hurt someone and the person confronted you about it.
How did you feel and how did you respond?[v. 15]
3. In what ways do you experience the presence of Christ when you meet together in a small group? [v. 20]
Share together in threes the results of your individual reflection.
Return together as a group and share any insights.
Now together discuss these questions.
LIFE FOCUS
1. How can your small group become an agent for reconciliation in the community? 2. What plans for action do we need to make?
Review Time
Does this group deal with conflict effectively?
If not what does it need to do differently?
Prayer Concerns :
For those who cannot forgive and those who refuse to be forgiven.
For those who cannot forgive themselves.
For those who work in mediation services.
Next Meeting :
Arrange date and venue.
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