Summary of May 3 Care Group

Thanks to Debbie for the yummy cookies and veggie tray!


We discussed the following themes from chapter 6 in our book "When Sinners Say I Do."


-Forgiveness is the foundation for a good marriage. Ephesians says "Don't let the sun go down on your anger." So we must be faithful to ask forgiveness of our spouses that is genuine, admit wrong doing and be humble.
-It never "feels" like the right time to ask forgiveness, so we need to ask God's help and speak in humility to solve the conflict.
-Conflicts in marriage are usually small, but we can too easily cling to our being "right" in pride. Humility will disarm the anger and diffuse the tension so that we can move again towards God.
-Forgiveness is costly. In marriage love is the motivation to absorb the debt of the one who wrongs us.
-Recognizing how He took our debt is the only way to move in that kind of forgiveness toward our spouse.
-Forgiveness involves absorbing liability and hurt. It is a divine quiet miracle that God works into us. We have an advocate and a high priest who knows exactly what it means to pay the cost.
-We must be cautious not to become self-righteous in "absorbing" others' offenses against us without referring to the ultimate debt paid for us by Jesus. It is only by His grace and amazing sacrifice that we can forgive others!
-It takes the grace of God to see how much we've sinned against God. Having the "log" in your eye is the starting point.
-Forgiveness is a decision to release someone and choose not to bring it up again.
-Our emotions will follow, like a caboose, when we obey and follow God.