Scripture For Today
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 NIV
Forgiveness is one of the most challenging and yet most freeing acts a believer can ever practice. It asks us to release what our hearts naturally want to hold on to, including the pain, the betrayal, and the disappointment in favor of extending mercy where we may feel none is deserved. But in that release lies the key to true freedom.
In Colossians 3:13, Paul writes to the church in Colossae, urging them to forgive one another just as Christ forgave them. His words were not casual advice; they were a divine directive rooted in the very character of God. When Christ hung on the cross, bleeding and suffering, He still chose to forgive. He modeled what it means to let mercy triumph over judgment.
When we choose to forgive, we reflect the heart of our Savior. Forgiveness does not mean pretending that the hurt never happened. It means surrendering the right to carry it any longer. It means deciding that the offense will not dictate the direction of our future.
There is a quiet strength in those who forgive. It is not weakness, nor is it denial. It is courage clothed in humility. The act of forgiving is not about the one who wronged you. It is about the transformation that takes place within you. It opens your heart to healing, clears the clutter of bitterness, and creates room for the peace of God to reign.
Paul’s words “bear with each other” remind us that we are all imperfect people walking through life together. To bear with one another means to make room for human frailty and to choose grace instead of criticism, compassion instead of condemnation. We are called to see others not just for who they are in their mistakes but for who they are in Christ, beloved and redeemed.
Forgiving as the Lord forgave us sets a divine standard. The forgiveness we receive from God is complete, undeserved, and unconditional. It is not earned; it is freely given. When we remember how much grace we have received, it becomes impossible to withhold that same grace from others.
Forgiveness transforms not only relationships but also hearts. It changes bitterness into compassion, pain into purpose, and sorrow into strength. When you release what was meant to harm you, you allow God to redeem it for His glory.
Every time you forgive, you make a declaration of faith. You declare that God’s justice is greater than your desire for revenge, and His peace is more valuable than your pride.
If you are struggling to forgive today, remember that forgiveness is a process. It often begins as a decision long before it becomes a feeling. But as you walk in obedience, the Holy Spirit softens your heart, giving you the strength to let go.
The same grace that saved you is the grace that will empower you to forgive.
Three Practical Ways To Walk Out This Word Daily
1: Remember How Much You Have Been Forgiven
Take a quiet moment today to reflect on the ways God has shown you mercy. Lamentations 3:22-23 says, “Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.” Let the awareness of His grace soften your heart toward others who have fallen short.
2: Pray for the One Who Hurt You
It may be difficult, but praying for those who wronged you releases the hold of bitterness. Matthew 5:44 instructs, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” As you pray, ask God to bless and heal them. You will find that your own heart begins to heal in the process.
3: Choose Grace Daily
Forgiveness is not a one-time event but a daily choice. Every time the memory resurfaces or the pain reopens, remind yourself that you have already placed it in God’s hands. Ephesians 4:32 encourages, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Choosing grace each day keeps your spirit free and your heart aligned with God’s peace.
Closing Encouragement
The world teaches that forgiveness is optional, but God shows us it is essential. It is the bridge that connects healing to freedom. When you forgive, you echo the love of Christ, who forgave even from the cross. You may never receive an apology, and you may never understand why something happened, but forgiveness allows you to move forward with peace.
Today, release the burden you were never meant to carry. Let God’s grace flow through you and touch the hearts of others. The same love that covered your sins is the love that empowers you to forgive. In choosing forgiveness, you are choosing freedom, healing, and the heart of Christ Himself.