“Forgiven”

If you forgive others their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.

Matthew 6:14

 

Forgiving is hard. I used to think that forgiving was something that had to be done to me—someone hurt my feelings; therefore, I deserved an apology.

 

However, time, experience, and developing a relationship with the Holy Spirit has taught me that forgiving is more powerful than receiving an apology. Moving beyond self to extend grace to others is the goal. I don’t always reach the goal, but recognizing my failures, being accountable for them, and holding others accountable, helps me grow.

 

When I focus on God and not my feelings, I am able to respond to others in love. Think about the last time your feelings were hurt. Did your spouse make a cutting remark or maybe a co-worker asked off first for the day you wanted. How did you respond?

 

Application

Love and forgive, rather than seek an apology.

 

Prayer

God, thank you for forgiving me.