Day 26

Listen to Today’s Reading:

Why is it so hard to forgive someone when they’ve wronged you? There have been times in my life when I’ve really struggled to forgive. It’s usually because I think they don’t deserve it, or I think they should pay for what they’ve done wrong. But the longer I hold onto the grudge I have against someone, the more turmoil and pain I feel.

Jesus told us to forgive because he knew that forgiveness would allow us to heal. It would allow us to live free of bitterness and hate. You see, we are all in need of forgiveness and Jesus showed his unconditional love for us by forgiving us when we did not deserve it. Ultimately, we forgive because we have been forgiven.

Today’s Passage: Colossians 3:13  

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.

Reflect: Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s worth the work and discomfort. Examine your heart. Who has wronged you? Who do you need to forgive? Take a few minutes to write out how you feel about what they’ve done, and then write out how you would feel if you could forgive and let it go.

Pray: Ask God to give you the strength and courage to offer forgiveness and learn to live free of bitterness and pain.