Be quick to forgive
Any parent with multiple kids will attest to this: children can be biting, kicking, and pulling each other’s hair one minute, and then playing together again, like little angels, the next.
They can go from being enemies to best friends in the blink of an eye.
Apparently, kids are quick to forgive. They don’t hold grudges and get over offences with ease. And those are qualities the world could use a little more of.
The Bible says:
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32 NIV
And:
Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. – Colossians 3:13 NIV
Forgiveness is a choice. We are called to forgive quickly, just like children do, and not hold onto anger or resentment.
It doesn’t mean excusing bad behaviour or pretending nothing happened. It means releasing the hold that the hurt and pain have over you.
Think about it—how much energy do we waste carrying grudges or replaying old hurts in our minds?
It can weigh down our minds, cloud our judgment, and even affect our health. But when we choose to forgive, it’s as if we’re lifting a heavy burden from our shoulders.
As Paul reminds the Colossians, Jesus modelled this kind of forgiveness on the cross. He forgave everyone, even those who mocked, insulted, tortured, and crucified Him.
If Jesus could forgive His offenders, then so can you!
Pray this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father, today I choose to forgive _____ for ______. I let go of my hurt, pain, and offence, and at the same time, I receive Your forgiveness, which Jesus completed on the cross. In Jesus’ name, amen.
