The Power of Forgiveness

In last week's Alpha Marriage Course, we studied the “Principles for Handling Conflict”

Expressing appreciation of each other
Identifying and accepting differences
Learning to negotiate
Growing together
Praying together

We also did some enlightening exercises that revealed how we handle money and possessions, household chores and how we spend our free time and parenting.

Week 4 topic is "The Power of Forgiveness”

Including:

Reactions to Hurt

Anger
Retaliation
Fear
Guilt

We’ll learn about Rhinos and Hedgehogs

What happens if hurt and anger are buried:

Physical symptoms
Behavioral symptoms
Emotional symptoms

Learning about the process for healing hurt

Identifying the hurt
Apologizing
Forgiving

Scriptures:

Matthew 5:23New International Version (NIV)

23 “Therefore, if you are offering your gift at the altar and there remember that your brother or sister has something against you, 24 leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled to them; then come and offer your gift.

Matthew 18:15New International Version (NIV)

15 “If your brother or sister[a] sins,[b] go and point out their fault, just between the two of you. If they listen to you, you have won them over.

Luke 23:34New International Version (NIV)

34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

Ephesians 4:31-32New International Version (NIV)

31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

1 Corinthians 13:5New International Version (NIV)

5 It does not dishonor others, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.

Philippians 3:13New International Version (NIV)

13 Brothers and sisters, I do not consider myself yet to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead,