7 January 2025: Forgiveness

Ephesians 4:32
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things God asks us to do, yet it is also one of the most freeing. When we hold onto anger and resentment, we think we are protecting ourselves. But in reality, unforgiveness becomes a prison, trapping us in bitterness, pain, and emotional exhaustion.

I once carried the weight of unforgiveness for years. Someone I trusted deeply betrayed me, and the wound cut so deep that I vowed never to forgive them. Every time I thought about them, my heart hardened. I replayed the hurtful moments in my mind, convincing myself that they didn’t deserve my forgiveness. But as time passed, I realized something painful—I was the one suffering the most. While they had moved on, I remained trapped in a cycle of anger and bitterness.

One day, I came across Ephesians 4:32: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” The words pierced my heart. I had been freely forgiven by God, yet I was refusing to extend that same grace to someone else. Convicted, I knelt in prayer and asked God to help me forgive.

The process wasn’t instant. Forgiveness didn’t erase the pain overnight, nor did it mean that trust was automatically restored. But as I surrendered my hurt to God, something powerful happened—my heart became lighter. The bitterness that had weighed me down for years started to fade. In its place, peace began to grow.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing or pretending the hurt never happened. It means choosing to let go of resentment so that it no longer has power over us. It is not about saying that what someone did was right—it’s about choosing freedom over bitterness, healing over pain, and grace over anger.

Who do you need to forgive today? Maybe it’s a friend who betrayed you, a family member who hurt you, or even yourself for past mistakes. Whatever it is, don’t let unforgiveness keep you bound. Take it to God, and allow Him to do the healing work in your heart.

This January, let go of what is weighing you down. Forgiveness is not just a gift you give to others—it is a gift you give to yourself.

Lord, help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Free my heart from bitterness and fill me with Your peace. Teach me to release resentment and walk in the freedom of Your love. Amen.