Small Group Study Guide

Ice Breaker Questions

• What’s the most ridiculous thing you’ve ever held a grudge about?
• Have you ever been shown mercy when you didn’t deserve it? What did it feel like?
• On a scale of 1–10, how easy is it for you to forgive someone who hurt you deeply?

Read Together 

Read each passage aloud together, then discuss:

• Jonah 3:10–4:11 (NLT)
• Matthew 18:21–27 (NLT) – Parable of the Unforgiving Servant
• Ephesians 4:32 (NLT) – Be kind and forgive
• 2 Corinthians 5:19–20 (NLT) – Ministry of reconciliation

Group Discussion Questions

Section 1: God’s Compassion, Jonah’s Grudge

• Why was Jonah angry when God showed mercy to Nineveh (Jonah 4:1–3)?
• Have you ever wanted justice for someone else’s wrong when you were shown grace for yours?
• What does Jonah’s reaction reveal about his heart? What emotions or expectations might you relate to?

Section 2: Inspecting Our Heart

• What does Jonah’s gratitude for the plant vs. his anger at its loss teach us about his priorities (vv. 5–9)?
• Can you recall a time when you were more upset about your comfort being removed than about people far from God?
• Why do you think we struggle to forgive people we feel have “gotten off easy”?

Section 3: Reconciliation vs. Retaliation

• Read Matthew 18:21–27. Why do you think Jesus told such a harsh parable about unforgiveness?
• What connections do you see between Jonah’s grudge and the unforgiving servant?
• Read Ephesians 4:32 and 2 Corinthians 5:19–20. What role does God give us in extending grace?

Action Steps

• Forgiveness Inventory: Ask God to show you if there’s anyone you are holding a grudge against. Write down their name(s) and pray a blessing over them this week.
• Reconciliation Challenge: Take one step toward reconciliation—whether through prayer, a conversation, or a written note.
• Perspective Shift: Each day this week, reflect on the grace God has shown you. Start your day by thanking God for one undeserved mercy.

Closing Prayer

Father,
We confess that we often hold onto anger, pain, and grudges. Like Jonah, we sometimes forget the grace You’ve shown us and become bitter when others receive it too. Give us hearts that reflect Yours—full of compassion, mercy, and love. Help us forgive as we have been forgiven. Teach us to be Your ambassadors, carrying a message of reconciliation, not retaliation. We surrender our desire for justice to You and ask for the courage to love, even when it’s hard. In Jesus’ name, Amen.