“And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV)
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful acts we can extend to others, and it’s also a gift we receive from God through Yeshua (Jesus). Holding onto resentment and anger only weighs us down, while forgiveness brings freedom and healing.
In Hebrew, the word Selichah (סְלִיחָה) refers to being forgiveness or pardoned. It is a term associated with asking for forgiveness from God and expressing deep sorrow and regret for the sin committed. As we drawing closer to the High Holy Days, particularly Yom Kippur (the Day of Atonement), we should seek forgiveness from the Lord as well as others.
Take a moment to consider if there’s anyone you need to forgive. Perhaps there’s a lingering hurt or unresolved conflict that has caused bitterness in your heart. Remember that forgiving others is not just about letting them off the hook; it’s about freeing yourself from the burden of unforgiveness.
As you choose to forgive, you align yourself with God’s will and open your heart to His peace and healing. Ask God for the strength to forgive and to release any resentment that may be holding you back.
When we do not forgive those who have trespassed against us, our Father in heaven will not forgive us. Today, allow the Father to heal your heart and forgive those who need to be forgiven.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come to You with a heart that desires to forgive, just as You have forgiven me. Help me to release any resentment, anger, or bitterness I may be holding onto. I ask for the strength to forgive those who have hurt me and to extend grace as You have extended it to me. Lord, I also ask for Your forgiveness for the times I have fallen short. Thank You for Your love, mercy, and the freedom that comes through forgiveness. May I walk in that freedom and be a vessel of Your grace to others. Amen.
Verses to Meditate On:
- Colossians 3:13 (NKJV)
“Bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” - Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV)
“For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.” - Psalm 103:12 (NKJV)
“As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” - Mark 11:25 (NKJV)
“And whenever you stand praying, if you have anything against anyone, forgive him, that your Father in heaven may also forgive you your trespasses.” - 1 John 1:9 (NKJV)
“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”
