Scripture Focus

"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 (ESV)

Insight

Just as a clenched fist can't receive a gift, a heart holding onto hurt can't fully embrace peace. When we forgive, we're not saying the hurt doesn't matter – we're choosing to release its power over us. Like Christ's forgiveness transforms our lives, our choice to forgive opens the door to emotional freedom and deeper relationships, even when the other person hasn't earned it.

What you can do

Today, identify one person who has hurt you and write down one positive truth about them, even if small. How does shifting your focus from hurt to humanity change your perspective?

prayer

Father, give me the strength to release the hurts I'm holding onto. Help me see others through Your eyes of grace, just as You've shown grace to me. Amen.