Forgiveness & Reconciliation Case Studies PDF

1 +AMDG+ Forgiveness & Reconciliation Case Studies Directions: In your groups, read through the following scenar...

1 +AMDG+ Forgiveness & Reconciliation Case Studies Directions: In your groups, read through the following scenarios and as a group discuss and respond to the questions. Scenario 1: Ethan grew up in a very physically abusive home. His dad is an addict who often acts very irrationally and has beaten Ethan so badly at times that he has broken bones and other severe injuries. Along with the physical abuse, his dad would also tell him how stupid he is, how nobody cares about him, etc. As soon as Ethan was old enough, he got out of the house. He has done pretty well since then, except that he realizes the anger he has towards his father is seeping into the rest of his life. In some ways, his other relationships are suffering because of his anger. But his dad is still an addict and has never shown any signs of remorse. Ethan doesn’t see how he could ever have a relationship with his father again, so he figures forgiveness is out of the question. He feels stuck – there’s nothing that can be done. Help Ethan by answering the following questions: 1. Should Ethan forgive his father? WHY OR WHY NOT? 2. If you believe Ethan should forgive his father, what might you say or suggest to him to help him on that journey? OR If you do not believe he should forgive his father, what advice would you give Ethan to help him? 3. Should Ethan reconcile with his father? WHY OR WHY NOT? (Cite 1-2 specific reasons from the scenario to justify your answer)  2 Scenario 2: David and Andrew were close friends for a long time and share many of their secrets and private thoughts and feelings with each other. During class, a classmate came up to David and asked if an embarrassing situation he had had was true? David knew he had only told Andrew about this situation. Andrew approached David filled with remorse and guilt and confessed to David that he did share the experience by accident thinking he hid that it was David the experience happened to, but it appeared some people figured out it was David. Andrew apologized and asked if he could be forgiven. David asked for some time. David is embarrassed, upset and unsure if he should forgive Andrew and reconcile. 1. Should David forgive Andrew? Why or Why Not? 2. If you believe David should forgive Andrew, what might you say or suggest to him to help him on that journey? OR If you do not believe he should forgive Andrew, what advice would you give David to help him? 3. What would need to happen for David and Andrew to reconcile? Scenario 3: Nathan works part time at a local office. Joan from another department sends out an email to the office that blamed Nathan for something he didn’t do. Nathan is embarrassed, hurt and feels wronged by this. He comes to you to ask for advice.  3 1. Should Nathan forgive Joan? Why or Why not? 2. What more information does Nathan need to know in order to reconcile with Joan? 3. What would you suggest that Nathan do in this situation? (e.g. Nothing, go to his supervisor, go talk to Joan, etc. ) Scenario 4: Christian had been dating someone exclusively for a few months. Recently he found out that the person he has been seeing had cheated on him (whatever your definition of this may be). Christian feels heart broken and betrayed. The person he has been seeing sent Christian a message expressing their apology and understands if they can’t continue their relationship. The relationship ends, and a few months go by and Christian and this person run into each other at social functions which go well. During one of the functions the person expresses remorse and seeks to try to rekindle a friendship and maybe more if Christian is open to it. Christian comes to you wondering what he should do. 1. Should Chrisian forgive the person he was seeing? Why or why not? 2. Should Christian reconcile with this person?  4 3. To what extent do you believe Christian should reconcile (acquaintances, friendship, dating relationship) and what do you think Christian would need to be able to reconcile to the extent you determine?