Grudges

June 22nd – Luke 7:43

Luke 7:43

Simon replied, ‘I suppose the one who had the bigger debt forgiven. You have judged correctly,” Jesus said.”

Some hurts run deeper than others, and some wrongs harder to forget. But in His parable about the moneylender, Jesus tells us that no matter how we’ve been sinned against, great or small, we are to forgive. That’s not to say it will be easy. Forgiveness can be an uphill battle. But God knows the healing that comes along with letting go of grudges, bitterness, and resentment. And the sweet freedom it brings. Because forgiveness allows us to let go of negative emotions and liberate ourselves from the burden of the past. Forgiveness frees us from the pain of guilt. And studies have shown that holding onto anger and bitterness affects our physical and mental well being. One of the hardest things God calls us to do is forgive. Especially forgiving those who have hurt us the most. No doable in our strength. But through the strength of the Holy Spirit of God living inside of us, nothing is impossible! (Luke 1:37)

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June 19th – Ephesians 4:32

Ephesians 4:32

Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.”

Throughout the Bible we are commanded to forgive one another. But what does true forgiveness look like? Forgiving others requires introspection and self-reflection. It means extending our forgiveness unconditionally, without holding onto grudges or seeking retribution. True forgiveness involves releasing the offender from our judgments and choosing to treat them with grace and compassion. And a great measure of that is if we genuinely desire their well-being and growth. Even if they have not sought our forgiveness or changed their behavior. Moreover, true forgiveness is letting go of resentment and allowing ourselves to be vulnerable again, opening the door to reconciliation and restoration. It involves offering the gift of forgiveness freely, without requiring the offender to earn it. When we forgive as God forgives, we emulate His boundless love, mercy, and willingness to reconcile with us despite our own shortcomings.

June 19th – Ephesians 4:32 Read More »