Difficult People (Part 4)
In the series, “Difficult People”, we are exploring the challenge of relationships through the story of Jacob and Esau.
Read Genesis 27:34-43.
1. Esau is justifiably angry over the blessing his father had given his brother Jacob. Think of a time where you felt hurt by the actions of someone else. What did holding onto that disappointment accomplish? How has it affected relationships with family and friends?
Inward vs. Outward Forgiveness
2. Pete referenced Tim Keller’s book, Forgive, with regard to the ideas of Inward and Outward Forgiveness. How does understanding the difference between these ideas affect how you consider your own unresolved conflicts?
3. Despite the pain Esau was feeling, and even if his brother never confessed to any wrongdoing, ultimately the decision to forgive was his. Is there a hurt or grudge that you’re still holding onto? Is the other person even aware that you’re carrying this? Would forgiving this, even only inwardly, bring closure?
Read Ephesians 4:25-27.
4. Today we often hear the line from verse 26, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry”, as “Don’t go to bed mad.” Pete talked about how this was a staple in his childhood home, but acknowledged how it’s much more complicated with regard to adult relationships. How can we keep from “giving the devil a foothold” by resolving conflict quickly?
5. Talk about some instances or situations where it may take longer than one day to truly resolve a conflict. How do we reconcile this with the scripture?
6. We often carry around extra baggage solely because we’re waiting for someone else to take the first step toward reconciliation. How can utilizing inward forgiveness help bring peace to a situation?
7. In the Primer Podcast, Jessica referenced Matthew 18:21-22 in discussing how we are called to forgive “7 x 70 times.” When considering all Jesus has forgiven of us, how significant does that make our personal conflicts seem?
(*Video available after Sunday services)
