Forgiveness Part 1 – Lesson Notes

Introduction:

• Welcome everyone and brief recap of our series on forgiveness.

• Remind everyone of the importance of forgiveness in our spiritual journey.

• Begin with a prayer asking God to open hearts and guide the message.

Main Scripture:

• Matthew 6:14-15 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

• Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

I. What Forgiveness Is (And What It Isn’t)

• Forgiveness is releasing the right to hold onto anger, resentment, or the desire for revenge.

• It is not forgetting the hurt, condoning the wrong, or allowing continued abuse.

II. The Weight of Unforgiveness

• Share the story of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21-35).

• Emphasize that holding onto bitterness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.

III. Why We Must Forgive

• We forgive because God first forgave us (Colossians 3:13).

• Unforgiveness is a barrier between us and God’s grace.

• Share a brief, personal story about the struggle of forgiveness.

IV. Steps to Begin Forgiving

• Acknowledge the hurt – be honest with yourself and with God.

• Pray for strength – forgiveness is not always easy, but God provides the strength.

• Release the offense – this doesn’t mean it didn’t hurt, but it means you are choosing not to let it control you.

V. Reflection and Altar Call

• Invite everyone to reflect on anyone they may need to forgive.

• Give a moment of silent prayer for personal forgiveness.

• Offer a brief altar call for anyone who needs to surrender their heart and ask for God's help to forgive.

Closing Prayer:

• Lead the congregation in a closing prayer of forgiveness, asking God to help them let go of pain, bitterness, and anger.

• Remind them of God’s promise to forgive as we forgive others.")

In this special Mother’s Day episode of CFL Virtual Ministries, Pastor Kyle Fields takes us on an emotional and heartfelt journey, exploring the biblical significance of mothers and the divine power of maternal love. From the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus, to modern-day mothers who embody grace, sacrifice, and unwavering faith, this episode is a tribute to all the women who have nurtured, guided, and loved us unconditionally.

Segment Breakdown:

1. Introduction:

• Warm welcome and introduction of the Mother’s Day theme.

• Setting the tone with a heartfelt opening prayer.

2. Biblical Mothers:

• Exploring the story of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

• Reflections on other impactful mothers in the Bible like Hannah.

3. Modern Motherhood:

• A tribute to modern-day mothers, including those who stepped into motherly roles.

• Personal story about Pastor Kyle’s own mother, Cheryl Trusty.

4. Closing and Altar Call:

• Offering a prayer for all mothers and those who have lost their mothers.

• A heartfelt altar call for anyone seeking God’s love, healing, or reconnection.

Featured Voice Notes:

Personal voice messages from listeners, sharing heartfelt messages to their mothers, adding depth and emotion to the episode.

In this powerful episode of Sunday Evening Reset, Kyle Fields challenges traditional church teachings and advocates for a faith that embraces love and acceptance, particularly for the LGBTQ+ community. He emphasizes the importance of understanding scripture in its true context, dismantling fear-driven theology, and inviting everyone to the table of grace. The conversation is a heartfelt call to action for individuals to reclaim their faith and recognize the unconditional love of God.