Stronger Within: The Freedom of Forgiveness - Living Free - October 22
Stronger Within: The Freedom of Forgiveness
Living Free Every Day®
A ministry of LivingFree.org
Scripture
Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony. And 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 3:12-15 NLT
Thoughts for the Day
Forgiveness is not always easy, and it often does not happen all at once. When someone has hurt us deeply, forgiving can feel costly. But unforgiveness can keep our hearts tied to the very pain we want to escape.
Paul tells us to clothe ourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. He also tells us to forgive as the Lord forgave us. Forgiveness does not mean pretending the hurt did not happen. It means placing the person, the pain, and the outcome into God’s hands. As we forgive, God begins to free our hearts from bitterness and make room for His peace.
Consider this …
Who or what do you need to place in God’s hands today? Forgiveness may begin as a choice before it feels like freedom. Ask God for the strength to take the next step, even if that step is simply being willing to forgive.
Prayer
Jesus, thank You for forgiving me. Help me forgive others as You have forgiven me. Release my heart from bitterness and fill me with Your peace. In Jesus' name. . .
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