Description

In the final message of our Like a Child series, Pastor Landon invites us to reflect on one of the most essential marks of childlike faith: forgiveness. Drawing from Matthew 18:21–35 and Matthew 4:12–17, this message reminds us that forgiveness is not optional in the kingdom of God—it flows from the very heart of the gospel.

Throughout this series, we’ve explored what it means to approach God with humility, curiosity, and trust. As we close, we see how forgiveness anchors all of that posture. Jesus came to make a way for broken relationships to be restored—first between humanity and God, and then between one another. Because we have been freely forgiven, we are called to forgive from the heart.

This message challenges us to examine where repentance, humility, and forgiveness are needed in our own lives, and to embrace the freedom that comes when we live as people shaped by grace.

Lifegroup Questions:

1. Share about a time in your life where someone showed you forgiveness that deeply impacted your life. 
2. Read Matthew 18:21-22. Peter suggests forgiving up to seven times, which would have seemed very generous in his day, yet Jesus pushes far beyond that. How do we live out this call to forgiveness without keeping score, while also wisely addressing patterns of harmful or unhealthy behavior toward ourselves or others?
3. Read Matthew 18:23-34 The servant forgiven an enormous debt refuses to forgive a much smaller one. What emotions or reactions does this story stir in you?
4. Why do you think forgiveness can be so difficult, even when we know how much we’ve been forgiven by God? What fears, wounds, or misconceptions tend to get in the way?
5. Read Matthew 18:35 Jesus says forgiveness must come “from the heart.” What do you think that means practically? How is forgiving from the heart different from simply letting something go on the surface?
6. Read Matthew 4:12-17. Jesus was born so that people might be reconciled to God and know life to the full. From the beginning, He invites people to turn from broken ways of living (like unforgiveness) toward life giving ways of living (forgiveness). 
7. As we prepare to celebrate Jesus’ birth, what might it look like for you to live more fully as a “forgiven and forgiving person” this Christmas season? Is there anything you need to repent of to God yourself? Is there anyone you can show forgiveness as God has forgiven you?