“bearing with one another, and forgiving one another… even as Christ forgave you…” – Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
Unforgiveness is a tenant that does not pay rent. It moves in and occupies the space meant for peace in your heart. You go over the story, repeat the words, and remember the pain, while all the time the chains of unforgiveness are being tied around your soul. Someone may never know about it, they might never repent, but they get taken along with you wherever you go.
The truth is simple and clear: “…if you forgive men…your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men for their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” (Matthew 6:14–15, NKJV). This is not advice; this is how the kingdom of forgiveness operates.
Forgiveness does not mean that the wound never existed. Forgiveness does not mean the offense was unimportant. Forgiveness means that the debt is released to God, Who will judge correctly. Forgiveness means giving up the right to vengeance and taking up the cross of mercy. “Forgiveness is a voluntary act of the will, and the will works in spite of the temperature of the heart.” (Corrie ten Boom) You may not want to forgive someone today. But forgive anyway. Feelings come later.
Do you have someone in mind who makes your blood boil? Can you remember something that made you mad in the past? Take it to the cross. Christ forgave you when you didn’t deserve it. He wants you to do the same for others. An unforgiving heart has no space left for joy, worship, and love. Let go of the debt. You were never supposed to bear it.
Prayer
Father, I release those who have hurt me. I choose forgiveness, not because they deserve it, but because You forgave me. Heal my heart and free me from bitterness. Let Your Word dwell in me richly, not as a visitor but as a resident, shaping my thoughts, guarding my words, and directing my steps. Where I have leaned on my own understanding, humble me. Where I have rushed ahead of You, slow me down. Where I have ignored correction, soften my heart to receive it. Teach me to number my days, to weigh my choices, and to treasure Your commands above all else. Let wisdom be my companion in the morning and my counsellor in the night. Cleanse me, Lord. Fill me. Lead me. And let the wisdom You plant in me bear fruit that honours You and blesses others. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Read: Micah 7:18-19; Ephesians 4:32
Bible Reading Guide: Proverbs 24:23-34; 1 Thessalonians 4; Jeremiah 23:9-40; Jeremiah 24; Jeremiah 25:1-14