Forgiveness is critical to our relationship with God: We experience forgiveness because of what Christ did for us on the cross. We extend forgiveness because we have experienced it.
God’s children have full access to the limitless supply of the fruit of the Holy Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. Isn’t it odd, therefore, that we should ever choose hatred, resentment, or anger?
We are to bring peace, love, and forgiveness into all our relationships in spite of all of our differences, no matter how difficult they may be! It is simply not about us! This is part of the dying to self. It is our responsibility to remember that forgiveness is for the forgiver and the forgiven. When we harbor ill will for another it does nothing but poison us. Forgiveness, on the other hand, breathes life into our souls. Sin always destroys while obedience brings life in abundance.
By God’s grace, you get rid of the sin of anger and replace it with the virtue of forgiveness. Can we forget the offense against us once we have forgiven the offender? Of course not. We will still recall the hurt—but we need not relive the hurt.
Ask the Holy Spirit to remove anger and bitterness from your heart toward the one who has hurt you and replace it with a forgiving, loving heart.
Key Verse
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others” (Colossians 3:13).
More About…
“Forgiveness Overview“
“Anger Vs. Forgiveness“
“Five Steps To Overcome Anger“
“Lord, Thank You For Your Forgiveness“
Become More
Learn how to replace anger and bitterness with forgiveness by applying the 5 steps in “Anger: When Mad Is Bad.”