January 12, 2026

I have spent years learning to forgive. And I have found, through the love of Jesus, forgiveness is more than possible. It is important to my own life. My own health. Forgiving a big thing gives great relief to the forgiver. Not forgiving makes us smaller and weaker. We tend to seek revenge in our thoughts. The wounds to our soul never quite heal. But when we forgive, we rise above what hurts us. The wounds to our soul and our heart become old memories versus daily torment. Walking with God’s promises, holding His hand as we move through forgiveness, is like finding where the sunshine lives and the place where happiness is found.

Until we learn to wholeheartedly forgive others, we cannot fathom the relief and joy found in that simple act. Even though we can’t feel the impact anger and a cry for retribution have on our bodies, the damage is there. Forgiveness unleashes peace. The heaviness of head and heart, the swirling plans of what we will say, the imagined satisfaction we will feel when revenge eventually has its way, all these ill-fitting emotions fall away. The way the earth looks when the sun breaks out after a hard rain is the way we feel when we allow forgiveness to sweep away the storms of anger.

God, Please forgive me for taking so long to understand forgiving others. You made it a part of the Lord’s Prayer. You spoke it over and over in the Bible. Still I resisted forgiving others even though You loved me and forgave me for so much! God, You have extended so much grace to me. You have loved me when I was undeserving. You have listened as I repented for past sins while we both knew I would sin again. Help me, Lord God, to forgive every transgression with a heart that reflects Your overwhelming love.

Even if that person wrongs you seven times a day and each time turns again and asks forgiveness, you must forgive.” Luke 17:4