Pray: Break the Chains - Experiencing the Freedom of Forgivness
Group Leader Guide
Sermon Recap 🎬
Are you carrying the weight of unforgiveness in your life? Pastor John Mark reveals how unconfessed sin and harbored resentment can chain us to guilt and bitterness, draining our emotional and spiritual vitality. Through the Lord's Prayer, he unpacks Jesus' profound teaching that links receiving God's forgiveness with extending it to others. Using compelling research and the practical REACH model (Recall, Empathize, Altruistic gift, Commit, Hold on), this message offers hope and practical steps for breaking free from unforgiveness. Whether you're struggling with past hurts or seeking deeper spiritual freedom, discover how forgiveness sets both the forgiver and forgiven free. Don't miss this transformative message about God's grace and healing power.
Ice Breaker 🧊
If you could instantly master any skill in the world, what would it be and why?
Discussion Questions 💬
Pastor John Mark notes that heavy hearts often stem from what we're holding inside rather than from what happened to us. How does holding onto unforgiveness affect our mental, physical, and spiritual well-being?
The sermon cites research showing that forgiveness reduces stress, anxiety, depression, and improves relationships and overall life satisfaction
What unresolved hurt or unforgiveness might you be holding onto that is weighing you down emotionally or spiritually?
Looking at Psalm 32:3-5, what are the consequences of keeping silent about our sins versus confessing them to God?
The passage describes how unconfessed sin caused physical and emotional drain, while confession brought God's forgiveness and relief
When have you experienced the weight of unconfessed sin and the freedom that came with confession?
The sermon presents the REACH model for learning to forgive (Recall, Empathize, Altruistic gift, Commit, Hold on). Which of these steps do you think is most challenging and why?
The sermon explains this as a research-backed method for learning to forgive, even when it feels impossible
Which step in the REACH model could help you most with a specific situation where you're struggling to forgive?
How does the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18) illustrate the danger of receiving grace but not extending it to others?
The sermon describes how the servant received forgiveness for a huge debt but refused to forgive someone else's small debt
In what ways might you be like the unforgiving servant, having received God's forgiveness but struggling to extend it to others?
Pastor John Mark says, 'forgiveness must be walked out, not just talked out.' What does this mean practically in daily life?
The sermon emphasizes that just talking about or reading about forgiveness isn't enough - it requires active implementation
What specific actions could you take this week to 'walk out' forgiveness in a situation you're facing?
Prayer 🙏
Ask for any prayer requests from the group.
Pray for strength to release any lingering unforgiveness in our hearts.
Seek God's help to confess sins and experience the fullness of forgiveness.
Request guidance in building relationships based on kindness and compassion.
Ask for the courage to extend forgiveness to others as we have been forgiven.
