When Others Need A Chance

FEB 06 / Sunday – Read Matt. 18:21-35 / Matt. 6:12 / Col. 3:13 / Mark 11:25

Overview: The Chance #2022 message series considers how God repeatedly gives us more than just a second chance when we screw up.

07 / Mon – Why?  |  Read Mark 11:25 / Genesis 1:27

You know we are commanded to forgive others. Have you considered the ‘why’ behind it? Everyone you meet is a person created in God’s image, dearly loved by Him. When you choose not to forgive, are you breaking the commandment to love others as you love yourself? Jesus said in Mark 11 we should forgive so we can be forgiven. God’s image in a person might be hard to see, but it is still there. If you ponder this seriously, how might it change the way you look at difficult people?

08 / Tue – Again?!  |  Read Matthew 18:21-22 / Philippians 4:13

How many times must I forgive someone? Peter’s question is still being asked today. Why do you think Jesus answered as he did? Do you believe Jesus would ever ask you to do something without giving you the strength to do it? Is there someone in your life who needs forgiveness frequently? If so, you can follow this teaching. And when you are undecided, it is always good to ask yourself, what would Jesus do if he were in my place? He does understand how hard it can be.

09 / Wed – Our model  |  Read Luke 23:34, 39-43, 46-47

Many people believe they cannot forgive until their feelings change or unless the offender shows some regret for what they’ve done. Jesus proved, by his example, that forgiveness is not based on feelings but it is a choice you make. Have you ever chosen to forgive someone when you didn’t feel like it? What was the result? What were the results of Jesus forgiving those who were killing him?

10 / Thu – They don’t doesn’t deserve it  |  Read Luke 15:23-32

Revisit this familiar story and notice two different responses to the wayward son’s return. What prompted the father’s response? Why did the older brother react differently? Was he disdainful of his younger brother’s actions? Was he jealous? Did he feel unappreciated for his own responsible behavior? No one knows but it might be good to ask yourself why you are upset when another person gets off ‘lightly’ or why you are slow to forgive when someone repents?

11 / Fri – It could make a difference  |  Read Acts 12:12, 25; 13:13; 15:36-40 / Philemon 1:24

Most Bible scholars believe John Mark is the author of Mark’s gospel. Do you know the story? His failure to follow through caused problems and destroyed Paul’s trust. Barnabas gave John Mark another chance and he grew to be so trustworthy that Paul later called Mark his co-worker. What might have happened if Barnabas had not believed in this young man enough to mentor him? Is there someone whose life could be changed if you gave them another chance?

12 / Sat – Yes but…  |  Read Matthew 18:23-35 / Colossians 3:13

Sometimes people have a double standard, expecting different behavior of others than they expect of themselves. Is this what happened here? To put debt value in perspective, the first man owed the king an amount equal to his salary for 20 years. How much would that be for you? The debt owed to him by the second man was about 3 months wages. Why wouldn’t he give the second man another chance or even forgive the debt? What was missing?