Cultivating a Life Without Hurt: Day 4

     Day 4: Letting Go

Within our culture, there’s a phrase that is often spoken, but is impossible to live out. That phrase is, “Forgive and forget.” The forgiving part is a serious challenge in and of itself. The forget part, just can’t be done. Not only is it an impossible request, but it’s not something God speaks to us from His Word.

In 1 Corinthians 13, we read a lengthy definition of love. Love, as it’s described in 1 Corinthians 13:5 (NIV), “…is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs.” If anger truly is the result of hurt or fear, then we could read this passage as, “Love is not easily afraid, or easily hurt.” The passage goes on to say that Love keeps no record of wrongs. Notice that the passage doesn’t say, “Love forgets all the wrong that was done against it.” Instead, God simply says that somebody expressing real love won’t indefinitely hold a grudge. Instead, somebody expressing real love will offer forgiveness. They won’t forget what happened to them. But they will move forward in grace, keeping no record of the wrong that was done against them. 

As you read today, consider this: Have you experienced something hurtful in which you haven’t offered forgiveness? What would it look like to move forward, keeping no record of wrongs? 

READING:

     1 Corinthians 13; Ephesians 4:32; Matthew 6:15

Have you experienced something hurtful in which you haven’t offered forgiveness? What would it look like for you to offer forgiveness, move forward, and keep no record of wrongs? 

Why do you think forgiveness is so hard? 

In what ways do you think forgiveness can offer personal healing? Explain.

What have you learned today about the nature and character of God? How will you better reflect His nature and character today?

PRAYER:

Heavenly Father, of the many virtues within Your Word, offering complete forgiveness is one of the more challenging to fulfill. I have sometimes struggled to forgive others, or have continued to keep a record of the wrongs they’ve done against me. Admittedly, I have sometimes struggled to forgive myself (or accept Your forgiveness) for foolish decisions I have made. Today I ask that You would lead me on a path of forgiveness. May You guide me to release those things I’ve held onto that have only caused pain, and may I experience the freedom from that pain that only can provide. I pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.