Forgiveness is not an optional part of the Christian life; it is a commandment from God. It is an essential aspect of love, as love "keeps no record of wrongs" (1 Corinthians 13). To build healthy relationships, one must be willing to forgive, not holding onto past hurts or grievances. This act of forgiveness is a reflection of the forgiveness that God has extended to us through Christ. When we forgive, we allow God's love to flow through us, preventing bitterness and resentment from taking root in our hearts. Forgiveness is a choice to release others from the debt of their wrongs against us, just as we have been released from our debts to God. It is a powerful step toward healing and reconciliation, and it opens the door for God's transformative work in our relationships.
Colossians 3:12-13, "Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive."
Reflection: Who do you need to forgive, and what steps can you take today to release them from the burden of your resentment?
Day 2: Forgiveness as Divine Commandment
