“Walking in forgiveness is a deliberate decision, often made through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit.”
Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – February 2, 2025
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. Ephesians 4:32
Walking in forgiveness as a Christian is one of the most challenging yet liberating aspects of the faith. Forgiveness is central to the Christian journey, reflecting the grace we’ve received from God. But when someone wrongs us—whether through betrayal, dishonesty, or even acts that deeply wound our hearts—the call to forgive can feel overwhelming. It often raises the question: How can we forgive when our emotions are still raw?
First, it’s important to recognize that forgiveness is not about condoning the offense or pretending it never happened. Forgiveness does not mean minimizing the hurt or allowing someone to continue mistreating us. Instead, it is about releasing the power that bitterness and resentment have over our lives. In Matthew 6:14-15, Jesus teaches us the importance of forgiveness, saying, “For if you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you, but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
This command to forgive is not based on our feelings but on our faith and obedience to God. Walking in forgiveness is a deliberate decision, often made through prayer and dependence on the Holy Spirit. In Ephesians 4:31-32, Paul writes, “Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” By looking at the way God forgives us, we find our model for forgiveness.
Forgiving someone doesn’t necessarily mean immediate emotional healing or restored trust. Trust, in particular, may take time to rebuild. However, the process of forgiveness brings personal peace, as it prevents the bitterness from taking root in our hearts. As Christians, we are called to extend the same grace that has been extended to us, recognizing that we are all imperfect and in need of God’s mercy.
In practical terms, walking in forgiveness might mean praying for the person who hurt you, asking God to give you the strength to let go of bitterness, and trusting Him with the outcome. It’s a journey that requires patience, but the freedom it brings is worth it. As we forgive, we reflect the heart of Christ and allow His love to flow through us, setting us free from the chains of unforgiveness.
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you” (Colossians 3:13).
Prayer
Father, if there is any unforgiveness in my heart toward another I am making the deliberate decision today to forgive those who have hurt me. Whether I feel it or not, I trust you to help me extend the same grace and mercy you have given me.
Application
Take a moment to examine your heart and if you’re holding anything against another make the decision to hand it over to God and let the Holy Spirit do His work in you.
Related Reading
Numbers 14:18; Mark 11:25-26; Matthew 18:21-22; Luke 23:34
Worship Resource
Matthew West: Forgiveness
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