Forgiving is more than forgetting!

Forgiving Is More Than Forgetting
Colossians 3:13

“Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”

The story of Scripture is filled with forgiveness: God’s rich mercy extended to wayward Israel, rebellious kings, doubting disciples, and sinners like you and me. God forgives!

But do we actually forgive one another?

Sometimes we avoid the conversation and hope everyone forgets. We gloss over the pain while quietly holding a grudge. We say we have moved on, but save the offense to bring up the next time we need ammunition.

Paul calls us, as holy and beloved children of God, to forgive as the Lord has forgiven us. That does not mean pretending the hurt never happened. It means refusing to keep using it as a weapon. Sometimes forgiveness also requires an honest conversation, and rebuilding trust may take time.

Forgiveness is hard because we must release a debt we would rather hold. We show mercy where we believe mercy has not been earned. Why would we do that? Because we have received mercy we did not earn.

Who comes to mind as you read this? Is there something you need to release before God? Is there a conversation you need to have? Is there a hurt you keep bringing back into your home?

Do you forgive, or do you simply hope everyone forgets?