Word For Today

Forgiveness is an incredible force that can transform not only others, but also ourselves. When we decide to forgive, we are not only being kind, but also opening the doors to positive changes in our own lives.

The Bible teaches us that forgiving is not just “letting it go,” but a chance to show the love and grace we have received from God. By releasing negative feelings, we allow divine compassion to work within us. Forgiveness is not just an action, but an attitude that reflects what we have learned from the stories of Jesus.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.
- Mark 11:25–26

By forgiving, we set aside our pride and draw closer to Jesus’ way of being. Forgiving is not just doing someone else a favor, but a way of living out what we have learned from the Christian message. It is like imitating Jesus, who taught us to forgive and to love.

Besides setting free the one who hurt us, forgiving also frees us from negative feelings that hinder our spiritual growth. Forgiveness helps us notice areas in our lives that need healing. Forgiveness not only changes the one who receives it, but also shapes us to become more like God.

In the end, by forgiving, we embrace the freedom that Jesus offers us. We leave behind the cycle of hurt and make room for a life filled with what faith proposes. Forgiveness not only helps us become better people, but empowers us to be agents of change in the world, showing divine love in every moment of reconciliation.

See also:

• Bible Study on Forgiveness: 6 Important Lessons
• Forgiving 70x7: What Jesus Meant About Forgiveness in This Bible Verse
• What is Forgiveness in The Bible: Meaning And Importance
• God’s Unique Kind of Forgiveness: 7 Examples

As the deer pants for streams of water,
so my soul pants for you, my God.
- Psalm 42:1

When reading Psalm 42, we notice that its author was exiled among a hostile people who mocked his faith in God. It is clear that he was suffering physically, emotionally, and spiritually. His soul was distressed, but even in the midst of that difficult situation, he chose to continue trusting in God.

His affirmations of faith help us see that, in the midst of all the agonizing suffering he experienced, he chose to seek God’s presence, draw near to Him, and trust in His power and goodness. He expressed his feelings before God with sincerity and, at the same time, affirmed his hope that God would act.

Why, my soul, are you downcast?
Why so disturbed within me?
Put your hope in God,
for I will yet praise him,
my Savior and my God.
My soul is downcast within me;
therefore I will remember you
from the land of the Jordan,
the heights of Hermon—from Mount Mizar.
- Psalm 42:5–6

It is not easy to have this attitude. Many times, when difficult moments of suffering and trials come, we forget that in God we have the source of hope. God’s power does not end when trials and pain come. On the contrary. God remains on His throne, strong, faithful, and ready to work on our behalf.

It is true that sometimes God does not act as quickly or in the way we would like, but He does not abandon us in the midst of pain. Choose to draw near to God, bringing your suffering to Him with the confidence that He is your salvation and your God forever. Praise God and trust Him.

See Also:

• God Cares For You: 7 Verses Showing How Much the Lord Loves You
• Biblical Reflection: 14 messages of faith and hope in God