By Solange Rodnez
Solange Rodnez is a retired registered nurse who has decades of experience teaching Sunday School lessons, Bible studies, and women’s groups. She wrote Daily Devotional as part of her time with God, studying the Word and sharing teachings on her daily prayer time.
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Ephesians 4:32 – “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Forgiveness is an act of obedience. God commands us to release anger, resentment, and bitterness toward those who have caused us emotional or relational pain. When we forgive, we set ourselves free from the prison of unforgiveness, finding peace of mind and spiritual renewal.
True forgiveness is an intentional decision to let go of the hurt and seek peace. It does not mean that the pain of an offense disappears instantly, but it does mean that we choose to trust God to heal our hearts. Jesus calls us to forgive continually. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” Jesus replied, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” This response emphasizes that forgiveness should be a lifestyle, not something we extend only when it feels convenient.
Forgiveness fosters unity, deeper relationships, and spiritual growth. Romans 12:18 instructs us, “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.” Likewise, Psalm 34:14 encourages us to “Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it.” Though forgiveness is not always easy, it is always right because it benefits us more than the person who hurt us. An unforgiving heart can lead to emotional distress, spiritual stagnation, and even physical ailments.
That is why we must pray and ask God for the grace to walk in obedience, following Jesus’ example in our daily lives.
To forgive as Jesus forgives, we must show kindness,
compassion, and unconditional love toward others. James 3:18 tells us, “Those who are peacemakers will plant seeds of peace and reap a harvest of righteousness.” Just as God, our Abba Father, is gracious and merciful toward us, we too should extend that same grace to our fellow brothers and sisters. True forgiveness requires humility and dependence on the Holy Spirit, who gives us the strength to take the first step toward reconciliation.
Matthew 6:14-15 reminds us of the seriousness of forgiveness: “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” If we want to live at peace, grow in our relationship with God, and experience joy, we must practice the discipline of forgiveness. It is not easy, but by the power of the Holy Spirit, we can extend grace, even when it feels undeserved.
One of the most freeing truths about forgiveness is that we do not have to wait for the other person to accept our apology. The act of forgiveness is for our own benefit-it allows us to walk in obedience to Christ and be released from the chains of bitterness. Whether or not the person who hurt us acknowledges their wrongdoing, we choose to forgive because God calls us to do so.
Imagine how beautiful life would be if everyone forgave one another, showing kindness and compassion at all times. It would be heaven on earth, filled with sacrificial love and lasting peace. As children of God, we are called to live in godliness and demonstrate His love to all people. Therefore, let us forgive, forgive, and keep on forgiving just as Christ forgave us. ‘
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