Loving Through Forgiveness

Scripture (Ephesians 4:32, NKJV, Matthew 6:14-15, NKJV):

"And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." - Ephesians 4:32

"For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses." - Matthew 6:14-15

Devotional:

Today I am going to do two Bible verses - one stood out to me, but they definitely go hand in hand. I wanted to talk about love today, but I was never told the second verse until about three years ago - now I try and make sure that I share His word about this because it's very important for everyone to understand. It's very simple for us to pray to Jesus for forgiveness, but how often are we forgiving those who hurt us?

When we think about loving one another, we often picture being kind, helping others, or speaking encouraging words. Those things are important, but one of the greatest expressions of love is forgiveness.

Let’s be honest—loving people is easy when they’re treating us well. It’s much harder when they’ve hurt us, betrayed us, disappointed us, or spoken against us. Yet Jesus makes it clear that forgiveness is not optional for believers.

That doesn’t mean what happened was okay. It doesn’t mean we have to trust everyone again immediately. And it certainly doesn’t mean we must continue allowing people to hurt us. Forgiveness simply means we release the debt to God instead of carrying the burden ourselves.

Unforgiveness often hurts the person holding onto it more than the person who caused the pain. It can keep us stuck in anger, bitterness, and resentment. God knows this, which is why He calls us to forgive as we have been forgiven.

Every one of us stands before God because of grace. None of us earned the forgiveness Jesus freely gave us at the cross. When we remember the mercy we’ve received, it becomes easier to extend mercy to others.

Today, if there is someone you’re struggling to forgive, bring that person before God. You may not be able to change your feelings overnight, but forgiveness begins with a willing heart and a simple prayer: “Lord, help me forgive as You forgave me."

Questions to consider:

1. Is there anyone I am holding bitterness or resentment toward?

2. Have I fully accepted God’s forgiveness for my own mistakes?

3. What would change in my heart if I chose to release an offense to God today?

Prayer:

Father, thank You for the incredible forgiveness You have given me through Jesus. Search my heart and reveal any unforgiveness I may be holding onto. Help me to forgive others the same way You have forgiven me - with grace, mercy, and love. Soften my heart where it has become hardened, and teach me to love others as You love me. In Jesus’ name, Amen. 🙏❤️