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Got Baggage? | Letting It Go | Part 4
Senior Pastor Keith Stewart
May 24, 2026

What do you do with the pain that remains after someone has hurt you deeply?
How do you let go of bitterness when the memories still ache? This Sunday, Pastor Keith Stewart concludes the “Got Baggage?” series with a powerful message called LETTING IT GO. Through unforgettable true stories and the example of Jesus Himself, we’ll explore how forgiveness can free us from the weight of anger, resentment, and unresolved pain. You don’t have to keep carrying yesterday into tomorrow. Join us this Sunday in person or online.

DISCUSSION QUESTIONS

1. What part of this message impacted you the most personally and why?

2. Pastor Keith said, “Forgiveness does not erase scars, but it can transform what the scars produce.” What do you think that means in real life?

3. Kim Phúc carried bitterness and anger for years after the trauma she experienced. Why do you think pain so easily turns into resentment if left unresolved?

4. The message described anger as a form of protection and control: “When you’re hurt, you feel vulnerable. When you’re angry, you feel invulnerable.” How have you seen anger mask deeper hurts, fears, or disappointments in your own life?

5. Which unhealthy approach to pain do you most relate to?
• Manager
• Firefighter
• Stuffer
How has that coping mechanism affected your relationships or emotional health?

6. Discuss this statement: “There’s a difference between rehearsing your hurt and releasing your hurt.” Why do people sometimes become attached to their pain stories?

7. Why is it difficult to bring emotional wounds honestly before God instead of merely talking about them with other people?

8. The sermon emphasized that Jesus often forgave people before they ever asked for forgiveness. How does that challenge or reshape your understanding of grace?

9. Read Luke 23:34: “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” What stands out to you most about Jesus’ response from the cross?

10. Pastor Keith said: “God’s forgiveness ALWAYS precedes our repentance. His compassion ALWAYS outruns our contrition.” How have you personally experienced God taking the first step toward you?

11. Is there someone in your life you still need to release to God? Without sharing unnecessary details, what makes forgiveness difficult in that situation?

12. Kim described bitterness like “black sludge” that had to be poured out “day by day and a bit at a time.” Why is forgiveness often more of a process than a single moment? What practical step could you take this week toward healing, forgiveness, or emotional honesty with God?

13. Close your time together by praying specifically for: healing from unresolved wounds, courage to face buried pain, freedom from bitterness, and the ability to forgive as Christ has forgiven us.