In the Pits

Table Talk (⅓ of meeting)   

• What’s your favorite food to make for other people? 
• What are you thankful for? What’s stressing you out? 
• How are you saying “yes” to God with your life right now? OR where do you need to do that? 
• Have an open time of prayer for:

1. Any needs within our group members 
2. Our church family (students, parents, singles, marriages, leaders, the elderly, etc.)
3. Areas in our community (schools, first responders, businesses, neighbors, etc.)

Remember, it’s not about having the perfect words. Keep it short and honest! 

Review the Discussion Guidelines (pg. 7 in the In the Pits journal)

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Discover what God is saying to you. (⅓ of meeting) 

Big idea: Godly character transforms bitterness into blessing.

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Scripture Context: In the chapters leading up to this passage, Joseph’s brothers have come to Egypt seeking help for food. They don’t realize the brother they betrayed is now the most powerful person next to Pharaoh. After setting a trap to test their character, Joseph reveals his identity in this emotional scene. 

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Read Genesis 45:1-15

• What caught your attention as you read this passage?
• Joseph holds no bitterness toward his brothers. 
  
  • How do you think Joseph was able to forgive them?
  • What’s hard about letting go of bitterness for you? 
• How would you define forgiveness? What makes it healthy or unhealthy? 
• Share a time when God enabled you to overcome bitterness. 
• In what ways do you need to change in order to genuinely bless those who cause you harm? 
  

Go do it. (⅓ of meeting) 

• Have someone lead a prayer in response to our Scripture study. Include a time of silent reflection to let the Holy Spirit bring to mind someone who has harmed you that God wants you to bless.  
• Heavenly Father, I choose to forgive ______ who harmed me. I cancel their debt to me. I release my right to bring revenge. I release them from my hands and place them into Your hands, Jesus, my Just Judge. I pray right now for their blessing and their good. God, as You have forgiven me so I choose to forgive. Holy Spirit, as You have loved me, may You pursue them with Your perfect love. I pray this in the Name of God who works everything for the good of those who love Him, amen.
• What’s a way we can bless people in our community as a group? Make a plan to do that (or appoint someone to help make it happen!). 

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