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July 26th – Colossians 3:13

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Forgiving those who’ve hurt us can be one of the most challenging aspects of our spiritual journey. The pain and betrayal often feel insurmountable, and can turn into bitterness and resentment. But in those times we face a crucial choice to make. We can be better or we can be bitter. The freedom we have in Jesus transforms our hearts, allowing us to soften and open ourselves to forgiveness. This freedom isn’t about ignoring the hurt or pretending it never happened. Instead, it’s about finding the strength through Christ to release the hold that past wounds have on us. Through Jesus, we gain the courage to forgive even the deepest hurts. Now forgiveness doesn’t always mean reconciliation, but it is a conscious decision to let go of our grievances. One that mirrors the grace which God extends to us. It frees us from the burden of anger and allows us to experience peace and healing. As we choose to forgive, we reflect Christ’s love and grace, preventing bitterness from taking root in our hearts.

July 26th – Colossians 3:13 Read More »

January 21st – 2 Corinthians 12:9

2 Corinthians 12:9

Although we aren’t told specifically what Paul’s thorn in the flesh was, we can relate to the suffering he endured. For whether it be emotional, physical, or spiritual, each of us have our own thorns to bear. Thorns for which we have pleaded with God to remove. And sometimes He will do just that. But what happens when His answer is no? What if instead He wants us to endure? Paul tells us we are to rejoice in our sufferings. For although the thorn may remain, God is at work strengthening the one under it. Instead of becoming bitter, angry, or frustrated, Paul embraced the thorns in his life. He understood that it was in his weakness where Jesus would be glorified, and where he would most experience God’s grace. It’s often in our lowest times when God can do His greatest work. Although we might not understand why God allows suffering into our lives, we can rest in the knowledge that when trouble does knock at our door He will be there.