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Colossians 3:13 Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.
The topic of forgiveness is one which is easy to read or talk about, yet is often difficult to live it out. The above verse answers two important questions: (1) What do you do when you have a grievance against someone? And (2) Why do you take this step? The answers are clear – forgive them, because the Lord forgave you.
However, there’s a third question which isn’t answered: How do I go about the process of forgiving somebody who hurt me? I understand what I need to do and why I need to do it, but I don’t have a full grasp on how to do it.
Consider this, if you’re currently struggling to forgive somebody, maybe how to forgive them isn’t actually the biggest question deep within you. Instead, consider meditating on other questions such as: Why did God forgive me? In what ways am I missing out on experiencing real peace by not forgiving this person? In what ways might I be believing that I deserved to be hurt by this person? Or perhaps, What am I actually holding onto that I’m struggling to release?
READING & PRAYERS:
COLOSSIANS 3:12-15, 1 JOHN 1:9, MATTHEW 6:5-15 (also read the commentary notes in your Study Bible of choice.)
QUESTION: In what ways have you previously struggled to forgive others? Are you currently struggling to forgive somebody who has hurt you? What do you think may be at the root of that struggle?
DIGGING DEEPER: Counseling is not a dirty word. Consider finding a mentor, counselor, or spiritual director who can help you discover what may be at the root of your struggle to forgive others.
Take a Step: Practice listening to God by utilizing the One Minute Pause app at least twice a day.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father, I recognize that there are some people in my life I struggle to fully forgive. Today, I recognize that I may have been wrestling with the wrong question – how do I forgive them – when instead I could be wrestling with the question – what am I actually holding onto? Reveal to me whatever I may be struggling to release to You. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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