Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with a heart of mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if someone happens to have a complaint against anyone else. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also forgive others.
Into the Text
It’s no secret that love and forgiveness are two essential elements in our walk with Christ. In today’s world, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by the hurts and disappointments we face daily. But you are not alone. We live in a broken world with broken people who hurt other broken people. We all need grace, and we all need Jesus. And because Jesus has forgiven us, we can forgive them. I know it’s hard. I know your pulse quickens and skips a beat just thinking about forgiving that person. It can’t be done in your power, but it can be in His. Ask Him for it. When we can forgive others and accept God’s forgiveness for ourselves, God’s forgiveness sets us apart and displays the hope of forgiveness to a hurting world.
As women of God, we are called to be tenderhearted, kind, humble, and patient. But the key ingredient in this divine recipe is forgiveness. Forgiveness is not just a nice idea or a suggestion; it’s a command from our heavenly Father, made out of love for our own good.
Friend, I know forgiving someone who has hurt you can be incredibly difficult. Unfortunately, our human nature tells us to hold on to resentment, anger, and bitterness. But that’s not God’s way. Instead, His love transforms us, showing us how to forgive and, in that forgiveness, find the freedom of His grace.
When we choose to forgive, we release ourselves from the chains of bitterness and experience the freedom that comes from walking in obedience to God’s Word. As we walk this path, our relationships with others become stronger and more genuine. We become more like Jesus, reflecting His love and grace to a world that desperately needs it.
Prayer
Dear Jesus, help us to embrace forgiveness and love as You have loved and forgiven us. Teach us to let go of the hurts of the past and walk in the freedom that Your grace provides. Amen.