Chapter 5- Content in Relationships

Chapter 5-  Content in Relationships

                              Forgiveness or Bitterness

1. The space between our expectations and our reality is where disappointment grows. (Proverbs 31 ministries).  Where does that statement show up in our relationships?
2.   1st thing usually happens is that my brain runs wild--- accusations, anger, acting out!
3. p. 71. I know I should forgive but ‘she’ doesn’t deserve forgiveness. p. 72 Are you 100%  at peace with your husband , family, friends ? Betrayal of love!
4. p. 72. What does scripture say about relating to people?  Linda says: We are commanded in scripture to love one another,  to serve and encourage one another. 
5. Jesus example- p 74.  Jesus, too, desired comfort in the Garden. What happened !? 
6. Failing more than once. What did Jesus do? p. 75. ‘ Let us go’. 1 Peter 2:21.  Overlook imperfections of people: Linda says: If I  insist on perfection or nothing, I ‘ll end up with nothing.  I must be willing to forgive! And if I long to be content, I must forgive.  Choose forgiveness over bitterness!
7. Forgiveness not an option!!! Col 3:12-14.  Look at question #4, p. 223. ( prison of bitterness)
8. question 5,p. 224.  How should my attitude be towards others.
9. question #8. Unity in the body of Christ. see Romans 15:5-7.  Col 3:15. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.  What happens when we are thankful to God? What happens if we are not thankful  and bitterness slips into our hearts? p. 77  Heb 12:15
10.   p. 78. Swindoll’s take on bitterness!  Consequences of an unforgiving spirit . 
11. ‘ I distinctly remember forgetting it!(event that could cause resentment)  Forgiveness is not a feeling but a secret choice of the heart. 
12. Beyond forgiveness. Discuss Romans 12 p. 78.    Put the act of forgiving into the action of forgiving. Blessings instead of curses! Mark 16:7.(including Peter) Jesus went beyond forgiving to the action of forgiving. 
13. We can accept that God allows us to go through trying relationships to ‘grow us up’.It is my choice to forgive. Notice the statement: We cannot control others, make their choices. But we can trust God and control ourselves. We can choose to pursue peace in relationships.