Scripture: Ephesians 4:32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
Devotion: Forgiving is hard. Perhaps that statement doesn’t even do it justice because forgiving can be really hard. And as we walk through the subject of abuse, forgiveness may seem impossible. There are so many reasons that it can be difficult to forgive or even find the desire to forgive. Perhaps you are fearful of getting hurt again. Maybe you are wanting revenge. Maybe the person who harmed you has never admitted their fault. It may feel as though forgiving means that you are accepting their wrongful actions against you. Or perhaps the wound is just still really fresh.
The list of reasons can go on and on. And, if we are being honest, there is usually a lot of valid thoughts and emotions behind why we don’t want to forgive. But whatever the reason is, we are ultimately called to rise above it and forgive others.
We have received the greatest gift ever from our Heavenly Father: the forgiveness of our sins once and for all through Jesus. Despite all of our wrongdoing, every area that we fall short, and all of the ways that we live in opposition to how the Lord created us to, He extends His forgiveness. We get to live our lives as new creations, redeemed and restored. As those who have been cleansed by Jesus, we are called to extend that same forgiveness. When we can recognize the great love that is lavished on us and the forgiveness that pours forth from that love, our hearts will soften toward forgiving the people in our own lives, no matter the heartache that has been caused.
Reflect:
- Is there someone that you are currently struggling to forgive? Why do you think that is?
- How might you take a step toward forgiveness today?
