Love That Forgives

“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.”

Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)

Forgiveness is one of the hardest expressions of love—and one of the most powerful. It’s easy to hold onto hurt, replay the offense, or justify our resentment. But unforgiveness is a prison that traps us more than the person who hurt us.

Paul reminds us that our forgiveness of others is rooted in God’s forgiveness of us. We forgive as the Lord forgave us—freely, fully, and undeservedly. That doesn’t mean the hurt wasn’t real. It means we refuse to let bitterness define us.

Forgiveness is not a feeling; it’s a decision. A choice to release the offense and entrust justice to God. A choice to let healing start. A choice to love in a way that mirrors the cross.

As Valentine’s Day approaches, consider this: sometimes the greatest gift you can give yourself—and others—is forgiveness.

Application:

Ask God to bring to mind someone you need to forgive. Take one step today toward releasing that burden.

Closing Prayer:

Lord, thank You for forgiving me completely. Give me the courage and grace to forgive others as You have forgiven me. Heal my heart and free me from bitterness. In Jesus’ name, AMEN!