Forgive as the Lord forgave you. —Colossians 3:13 b (ESV)

Click Here To Read Today’s Scripture: Colossians 3: 1-17

I often listen to testimonies of people going through hardship and how they overcame in Christ. I was greatly drawn to the testimony of Joyce Meyer, a woman who endured sexual abuse as a child and had a rough start in life. However, what attracted me to her testimony, in one of her sermons, was the strength and joy that flowed through her despite the anguish of her past. This was a key difference I saw compared to how the world reacts to hardship. 

Scripture says, “Count it all joy, my brothers when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing” (James 1: 2-4, ESV). We all go through hardship. But let’s be honest, how many can genuinely say it was counted as all joy? Before becoming a believer, I fought the battle very differently. I hung on to the anger, bitterness, and unforgiveness. Cutting people out was an easy solution. However, it was too big of a burden to bear. I carried resentment in my heart and my heart became rigid and cold. 

As I stood in front of the TV listening to Joyce Meyer’s sermon “Do Yourself a Favour & Forgive,” I realized that I stood at a crossroads. Would I forgive and let God work in those areas of my life I was struggling with, or would I keep nursing these wounds? For years I had done the latter, and it didn’t provide any healing. Looking at Joyce Meyer, I saw a woman liberated, a woman who chose forgiveness despite all the hardships she had faced. In that moment I felt a change of heart, and my healing began. 

The Word says, “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). It all became crystal clear. The Lord forgave my sins and transgressions; I too must choose to have a heart of forgiveness. 

Reflection: Have you recently endured a hardship that caused you to harbor feelings of resentment? If so, what steps can you take to encourage you to forgive?

Prayer Starter: Lord, I thank you for forgiving my sins and transgressions. Strengthen me to have a heart of forgiveness. 

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