Forgiveness in the Face of Grievances
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." (Colossians 3:13 NLT).
It's often not the big betrayals that corrode a relationship; it's the accumulation of small grievances. Like grains of sand, they can fill an hourglass of resentment over time. And the thing is, we all fail. Just as Peter denied Jesus three times despite his best intentions, we all will err. So, what will you do with the hurt others cause you? Will you let it grow into bitterness, or use it as a stepping stone towards growth?
Don't forget, the people closest to you are often the ones you're most likely to resent. Why? Because their actions carry more weight, just as Jesus' own disciples' actions did to Him. But, He chose to forgive.
Colossians 3:13 is clear: forgiveness is not optional; it's a command. Letting go of grudges isn't just for the other person's sake; it's for your own well-being. By forgiving, you're aligning yourself with a purpose greater than your pain. So, are you ready to make room for grace in your life?
P4 Discussion Questions: Do you feel the need to say “I forgive you.”? Are you waiting for an apology before you say those three words?