12 Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. 13 Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
Forgiveness does not say the wrong did not matter. It says the wrong will no longer be allowed to rule our heart.
Forgiveness is sometimes confused with trust, reconciliation or pretending nothing happened. Trust may need to be rebuilt, boundaries may be necessary and reconciliation requires willingness from both sides. But forgiveness begins within us. It is the decision to surrender our right to revenge and entrust justice to God.
We forgive because we have been forgiven. At the cross, Jesus carried our sin without becoming bitter toward us. His mercy becomes both our example and our strength.
Forgiveness may be a moment, but it can also become a repeated choice. Each time the wound resurfaces, we place it again into the hands of Jesus. This is the narrow way—not denying the hurt, but refusing to let hurt have the final word.
Whom is God inviting me to begin forgiving?
Lord Jesus, as you have forgiven me, give me grace to forgive. I release this person from my demand for repayment and entrust justice to you. Lead me out of the prison of offence and into freedom. Amen.
