Lord, Help Me to Forgive Tonight | Your Nightly Prayer

Forgiveness isn’t easy. In our nightly prayer and devotional, Clarence Haynes Jr. recounts how his struggle to forgive lasted over two decades. He knew all the right verses, even encouraged others to forgive, but inside he wrestled with bitterness toward one person who had wounded him deeply. What he learned—and what Scripture makes clear—is that forgiveness is not a suggestion but a command. And it’s not rooted in the offender’s apology or worthiness, but in the fact that God forgave us first. Unforgiveness feels powerful, but in reality, it imprisons us. The longer we cling to it, the more bitter and bound we become. True freedom begins when we release our right to hold on to the offense and entrust the outcome to God. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing sin or pretending nothing happened. It means letting go and allowing the Lord to heal us. The real question is not can you forgive, but do you want to? Even a hesitant “yes” is enough for God to begin His work in your heart.

Originally published September 17, 2025.