“Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13).
“God blesses those who are merciful, for they will be shown mercy” (Matthew 5:7).
One of the core messages and distinctions of the Christian life is forgiveness. We cannot earn God’s forgiveness and mercy. Jesus paid the debt for our sins that we could not pay, granting us forgiveness and eternal life. Forgiveness is the very gift that makes a personal relationship with God possible. If we confess our sins and ask for forgiveness, God washes our slate clean and makes us white as snow (Isaiah 1:18).
Just as God forgives us, we are instructed to forgive others who have wronged us. Ephesians 4:26-27 says, “Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” Forgiveness is not often easy. For years, we can harbor resentment and pain, struggling to get past deep-seated feelings to offer forgiveness. God knows this, yet He tells us in Mark 11:25, we are to forgive anyone we have a grudge against and he will also forgive our sins.
God doesn’t ask anything of us He hasn’t provided the way for or modeled first. He is the Great Physician! Through His healing, He helps us give AND accept forgiveness. Choosing to receive and extend forgiveness is a choice. He can heal our pain and restore our relationships, providing us release, joy, and peace.
Guiding Points:
Call to Action: Pray and seek God for direction in extending forgiveness through hard life-seasons and relationships. God will provide answers when you focus on Him. Read these scriptures and let them bring peace to you.
“If you forgive those who sin against you, Your heavenly Father will forgive you” Matthew 6:14).
“Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you” (Ephesians 4:32).
“And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, ‘I repent, forgive him’” (Luke 17:4).
“Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins” (1 Peter 4:8).
Prayer: Our Heavenly Father, Your name is high and lifted today! We come to You seeking guidance. We don’t want bitterness to cast a dark cloud over the joy in our lives. Help us to heal from any deep-rooted resentment and pain that others may have caused. Please open our hearts to Your instruction and help us be willing to extend forgiveness to others. We ask forgiveness for ourselves—for anything we have done against You. You have offered us a blessed life in Christ Jesus, and we thank You for it. In Your name, we pray, Amen!
Final Thought: Let God do the heavy lifting. Give Him all your worries and cares because he cares about you (1 Peter 5:7). He is there through every obstacle, waiting for us to call on Him.
Extending Forgiveness Through Hard Seasons
The Strongest Faith in the Deepest Pain
“For she said, ‘If I touch even His garments, I will be made well’” (Mark 5:28).
Walking Confidently in His Light
“For once, you were full of darkness, but now you have light from the Lord. So, live as people of light!” (Ephesians 5:8).
On the Solid Rock, We Stand
“He alone is my Rock and my salvation, my fortress where I will not be shaken” (Psalm 62:6).
Battling Anxiety: A Christian Perspective
“Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad” (Proverbs 12:25).
Let the Peace of Christ Rule
“Let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one Body, you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful” (Colossians 3:15).
Surrounded by The Father
“The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth” (Psalm 145:18).
God Uses Imperfect People in Extraordinary Ways
“For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do” (Ephesians 2:10).
Turning Your Mess into a Message
“Come and hear, all you who fear God; let me tell you what He has done for me” (Psalm 66:16).
Encouragement and Prayer for New Graduates
Graduation is such an exciting moment! While it’s the end of a significant chapter, it’s the beginning of many new ones forward! Taking time to celebrate this milestone is important. While there may be some uncertainty about next steps, God’s Word provides direction for the road ahead. God cares about the details of every life and wants to lead each graduate to their purpose in Christ. When we seek His face and lean into Him, He promises to be with us in every step of the journey (Matthew 6:33).