Introduction

Communityship is an exciting journey, except for one problem… you have to do it with imperfect and sinning people! In any community of faith, whether small, medium, or large, people will offend each other one way or the other. There is no way of escaping it unless you choose to fake it! The blessing of communityship comes through the process of constant forgiveness. Often it’s hard and challenging, and sometimes even frustrating, because not everyone understands or is willing to cooperate. We must always practice constant forgiveness throughout our journey of communityship together. Why?

Three Important Reasons

1. We are *citizens* of God’s kingdom. (Matthew 18:21-23) – Our citizenship has changed. Therefore, our responsibilities have also changed. We are no longer living for ourselves but for the sake of others. Our goal is not to please ourselves but to love others as Christ has loved us. This is only possible if we are born again in the kingdom of God and the Spirit of God lives in us.

2. We are *recipients* of God’s mercy. (Matthew 18:23-27) – We have received amazing grace from God. In spite of our sins, and even though we continue to sin, God forgives us and shows us great mercy. We have nothing to boast about. God has completely canceled our debts (i.e. our sins) even though we don’t deserve it. We simply asked God for it (i.e. begged for it), and He gave it to us out of sheer grace.

3. We are *members* of God’s family. (Matthew 18:28-35) – We are members of one body. Therefore, we are responsible and accountable to each other in our relationships. What we do affects the rest of us. We cannot live thinking only of ourselves. Instead, we must consider the interests of others. We must carry each other’s burdens as the Lord enables us to do so by His Spirit.

Conclusion

1. Central Idea: “The *blessing* of communityship comes through the *process* of *constant* *forgiveness*.”

2. We cannot experience communityship unless we are willing to forgive each other constantly.

3. Next time someone offends you in the community of faith, reach out and talk to that person until you can resolve the conflict.

Discussion

1. What is your usual response when someone in the community of faith offends you?

2. What does it mean to practice constant forgiveness? Why is that important in communityship?

3. What would you do differently next time someone in the community offends you?