Forgiveness doesn’t come easy, but it’s necessary. A verse from poet and author Beau Taplin has always brought me peace: “I forgive you. Not for you, but for me. Because like chains shackling me to the past, I will no longer pollute my heart with bitterness, fear, distrust or anger. I forgive you because hate is just another way of holding on, and you don’t belong here anymore.”
Ephesians 4:31-32 tells us “Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you.” (NIV)
God forgives us when we wrong others and expects nothing less from us when others do us wrong. What are your thoughts on forgiving someone who has wronged you?
This message is excerpted from “How do we forgive?” by Lisa Plorin from the January 8, 2018, blog of the Women of the ELCA. Today we commemorate Francis Xavier, missionary to Asia, 1552.
If you enjoy this resource, Donate Now.