FORGIVENESS IS A GIFT!
JUNE 12, 2025
I’m willing to bet that at one point or another you’ve been in a situation where you either needed to forgive or needed to be forgiven. The reality is that we’ve all been there and as long as we are breathing we will be faced with either the former or the latter.
More often than not, we are challenged with the command to extend grace and forgive! I know firsthand the frustration that comes with letting go. Forgiving others that have wronged you makes you feel weak, it feels as if you’re taking responsibility for their actions, and it seems they’re being let off the hook.
But, do you want to know what’s even harder than forgiving others? Going to someone you’ve wronged and asking them for forgiveness! It forces us to examine and admit our shortcomings. Simply put, it requires humility.
The reality is, forgiveness is a gift from God. The greatest example we have of this is Jesus dying on the cross for the sins of the world. It is because of his grace, love, and humility that we can approach the throne boldly! It is because of this that our sins are forgiven.
Lastly, forgiveness offers healing. You may have heard the famous quote “Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die.” When we harbor unforgiveness the only one truly affected is ourselves. More importantly, we are in direct violation of a command given by the father "Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive”(Colossians 3:13).
I am sensitive to the fact that everyone (including myself) are dealing with unique cases. Some offenses go beyond what others may understand. Perhaps it may be you needing to seek forgiveness for an offense you’ve caused! My prayer today is that we surrender and lay these feelings at the feet of Jesus. May he guide us and give us peace as we break through the walls of unforgiveness!
THOUGHTS TO PONDER
- Is there someone in your life you need to forgive?
- Is there someone you need to ask for forgiveness?
- Is there something you need to let go of in order to forgive yourself?
Whatever it may be, take it to the father in prayer and ask that he guides your steps. Forgiveness is also a form of obedience! Could our breakthrough be on the other side of our forgiveness? I believe so!
Scriptures To Meditate On This Week
"Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." (Ephesians 4:32)
"And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.” (Mark 11:25)
"If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." (1 John 1:9)
Written By: Amber Alycee