Putting out the Fire
Teachers
Lesson Summary
The class opened with a warm welcome to Tim Lewis, whose personal anecdotes set the tone for a discussion on the dangers of unresolved conflict within the church family. The teacher described how bitterness, doubt, and division act like a hidden fire, ready to consume the fellowship and love that members cherish. He shared a poignant story of a man who understood the gospel yet could not forgive a deep family hurt, illustrating how unforgiveness cripples spiritual growth. Tim then turned to Scripture, emphasizing Matthew 6:14‑15 and the parable of the unforgiving servant in Matthew 18 as the biblical foundation for true forgiveness. He explained that God’s forgiveness is conditional upon our willingness to extend the same mercy to others, citing Colossians 3:13 as the practical call to “forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Practical steps for restoring relationships, confronting conflict, and cultivating a forgiving heart were presented, urging the congregation to actively “put out” the fires of bitterness before they destroy the church’s health. The lesson concluded with a heartfelt invitation for each member to examine personal grudges, seek reconciliation, and embody the love of Christ, reinforcing Linder Road Church of Christ’s commitment to a healthy, unified spiritual family.
Key Scriptures
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.
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Then the servant went out and found one of his fellow servants who owed him a hundred denarii. He grabbed him and began to choke him, saying, 'Pay back what you owe me!'