AVOIDING* THE HALL OF MIRRORS
OR ESCAPING
CHAPTER 13
The Bitter Root + Forgiveness: What, When, and How? (1|2)
Pages 157-164 (end reading at: …the end result ought to be fruitful.)
Romans 12:14-21 (ESV) Actions and behaviors of Godly conduct are read on page 147.
Hebrews 12:15 (NIV) See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.
“When we are bitter, we don’t see clearly, and our assessments of those we are angry towards are emphatically NOT to be trusted. This requires incisive, and often quite painful, self-honesty.” Notice Stef writes WHEN, not IF, we are bitter. What is your experience with either (or both) harboring or receiving bitterness in your heart?
“So here is the question: at what point do we forgive someone who has sinned against us - is it immediately upon the offense, or is it immediately upon their repentance? I think it’s both.” What is your response to Stef’s question and opinion?
[Scripture] “is not teaching that if we don’t forgive an offender, then we, as believers, are disinherited or kicked out of the family, but the experience of forgiveness and the enjoyment of fellowship with God that flows from it, is hindered if we’re withholding forgiveness.” What is your response to this statement?
“Minnesota Nice” is a cultural stereotype describing the polite, friendly, and helpful demeanor of Minnesotans, often rooted in Scandinavian, German, and rural traditions. It implies a tendency toward non-confrontational, indirect communication and, at times, passive-aggressive behavior, favoring social harmony over direct honesty.” - NPR. Are you by nature an avoider or a confronter?