"Relationship Rehab" 

Connect

Share a time you were easily offended and now realize it was silly. 

Take It In

What does this reveal about who God is?

1. Read Luke 17:1-6.
   1. The disciples hear Jesus on forgiveness and immediately ask for more faith. Why is forgiveness so hard to grant, generally speaking?
   2. Jesus answers that mustard seed faith is enough. What does that reveal about God, that He believes you already have what you need to forgive? Where will you put that faith to work this week?
2. Read Psalm 32:1-5, Psalm 103:1-3, and 1 John 1:9.
   1. What is the effect on your soul when you consider God's mercy and grace toward you? Which of these verses hits you hardest, and why?
3. Read Proverbs 19:11.
   1. What has helped you overlook offenses in the past? When is it not possible to overlook an offense, and what will you do then?
4. Read Matthew 6:9-15.
   1. Jesus puts forgiveness right in the middle of the prayer He taught us to pray every day. Why does forgiveness matter so much to God? What is the effect in your life when you don't forgive?
   2. Who do you need to forgive? This may not be something to share out loud. Take a quiet moment and let the Holy Spirit speak to you about it.

Talk About It

How do we practically apply this?

1. Little wounds can become big walls. Which kind of offense tends to trip you up most: being excluded, being criticized, being ignored, or being disrespected? What usually happens inside you when it does?
2. What does a relational wound need in order to heal instead of just scabbing over?
3. Tell the group about a time you were sure you were the wronged one, then found out there was more to the story. How will you tell yourself a different story the next time you feel offended?

Take It Home

What are we doing this week?

Read through the four steps of relationship rehab. Which one will you focus on and why? 

• Tell a different story. Think of an offense you've been replaying. Write down just the facts, without the feelings and judgments. What changes when you read it back?
• Take it all to God. Like the Psalms, pour out the whole thing to God in prayer. Say what happened and how it made you feel. When and where will you do that this week?
• Tear up the tab. Write the person's initials on a piece of paper. Pray, "Father, thank you for forgiving me. I release this hurt to you, I forgive them, and I bless them." Then tear it up.
• Talk it through. If this is a relationship you're still in, go to that person privately. Say what happened, not what they are. Be curious and own your part. What day this week will you reach out? And if your name is on someone else's tab, when will you go to them?

Prayer Time

Leader note: Forgiveness is not the same as trust or restoration or full reconciliation, and it never means staying somewhere unsafe. If someone in your group is dealing with deeper wounds like betrayal or abuse, gently point them toward our care team or encourage them to do a freedom prayer.

Care Request: https://mycenterpoint.tv/CareRequest

Freedom Prayer Application: https://mycenterpoint.tv/Ministry/freedomprayer