Forgiving others—not only for healthy relationships but also for our spiritual freedom. Holding onto resentment, bitterness, or anger toward others traps us in emotional and spiritual bondage. True forgiveness breaks these chains, allowing healing, renewal, and deeper intimacy with God and others.
Lenten Devotional – Day 18
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” (Colossians 3:13)
Forgiving Others, Freeing Yourself
Forgiveness isn’t always easy. It can feel incredibly difficult, especially when wounds run deep. Yet, forgiving others isn’t primarily about them—it’s about releasing your heart from bitterness and freeing yourself to experience genuine peace and joy. Forgiveness allows you to reclaim control of your emotions, restoring spiritual health and emotional well-being.
It’s important to understand that forgiveness and trust are not the same.
People often find forgiving difficult because they mistakenly equate forgiveness with trust. While we must forgive the transgressions of others, we are not obligated to trust them fully again immediately.
Trust should be rebuilt cautiously over time, based on demonstrated change. Forgiving someone provides the opportunity to open the door to a new stage in the relationship.
This is why Jesus instructed us to forgive not just once or twice but “seventy-seven times” (Matthew 18:22)—meaning as many times as necessary.
Recognizing Unforgiveness
Reflect honestly today: Are there people you haven’t forgiven whose past actions still stir anger, resentment, or hurt within you? Perhaps you feel justified in withholding forgiveness but consider carefully how this unforgiveness negatively impacts your own peace, joy, and relationships.
Acknowledging the presence of unforgiveness is the first step toward genuine emotional and spiritual healing. Holding onto resentment damages you more than anyone else, blocking the flow of God’s grace and joy in your life.
Practical Steps Toward Forgiveness
Today, choose to forgive intentionally. Begin by bringing your struggles with forgiveness directly to God in prayer. Clearly name those who’ve hurt you and honestly express your pain. Ask God to give you the strength and grace to forgive wholly and genuinely.
Forgiveness is often a daily decision, not a one-time act. Regularly remind yourself of God’s forgiveness toward you, using this as motivation and strength to forgive others. As you forgive, you’ll experience increasing peace, freedom, and healing in your heart.
My brother, forgiving others frees you to experience abundant life, deepens your relationships, and restores your spiritual joy.
Daily Actions and Tips:
- Reflect quietly today, honestly identifying individuals you need to forgive.
- Write a brief prayer of forgiveness for each person, clearly stating your intention to release resentment.
- Meditate on Bible verses related to God’s forgiveness and mercy.
- Practice forgiveness daily—actively choosing to let go of grudges and replacing resentment with compassion and understanding.
Prayer for Today
Merciful Father, today I bring the pain and resentment I’ve held toward others before You. I choose, with Your help, to forgive and release these burdens. Grant me strength, compassion, and grace to genuinely forgive those who have hurt me, just as You have generously forgiven me. Free my heart from bitterness and resentment, replacing these emotions with Your peace, love, and joy. Restore my spiritual health and deepen my relationships as I practice forgiveness daily. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
