Forgiveness Is a Decision

Forgiveness Is a Decision

Colossians 3:13 (NLT®)

Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.

Let’s be honest: Forgiveness can be very hard. Life is not fair. People can be cruel. Not every spouse is faithful and committed. Not every parent is a good one. Employers are focused on the bottom line. Church leaders have taken advantage of people, sometimes with devastating consequences. We live in a sinful world, and we will not always be treated with justice and compassion. What do we do with this reality? We can choose to carry a grudge and look for an opportunity to get even. Or we can choose to forgive. I’m not saying we should bless or even tolerate the actions of those who have mistreated us—but we are called to release them. I’ve learned that the decision precedes the feeling, and I may have to forgive with gritted teeth. But I forgive because I’ve been commanded to forgive as the Lord has forgiven me, and because it is an act of faith that allows me to show His mercy and grace to others.

THINK ABOUT IT

Make it a primary goal to become a world-class forgiver and see how it changes your life—and others.

PRAYER

Heavenly Father, by a decision of my will, I forgive (name) for (the offences). I free them in Jesus' name—they owe me nothing. I retake the territory in my life that I gave to darkness through my lack of forgiveness, and I yield it to Your Holy Spirit. Thank You for Your forgiveness. In Jesus’ name, amen.