"Brief Devotions For Busy Lives" by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson: Colossians 3:12-17-NRSV

 April 25

​"As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony. And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in the one body. And be thankful." - Colossians 3:12-17-NRSV

​Forgiving is possibly one of the most difficult things we can do in our lives. In a lot of cases, the hurt remains deep within us, mentally and physically. Sometimes there are physical scars that might be a reminder every time we look in the mirror or take a shower. Hurts may also be within us spiritually and mentally as we are reminded what has been said or done in the past and the way it was said and meant at the time. Time may be the key in these instances. Give yourself time to heal and time to forgive. But only the individual, in conversation and prayer with their inner self and God, can decide whether to forgive and when to do it. No one else can make that decision, only the individual can make it.

​However, the key to forgiving others is in realizing how much God has forgiven us. Personally accepting God's infinite love and forgiveness can help us love and forgive others. Eventually when we realize the meaning of the biblical word "forgive" is literally to "let go", then forgiving becomes easier. By holding on to hurt, anger, pain, and shame we only hinder our own healing process by remaining connected to the source of our pain. Let God worry about the wrongs you've suffered. Don't destroy your life in bitter feuding. Let go and let God deal with those who have hurt you. Then you can live your life free of the past and go forth renewed in love and joy.

​Prayer: God, Thank you for helping me to let go of anger, hurt, and resentment I suffer because of others. Amen.

​Meditation For The Day: Love forgives. Hate relives hurt.

​Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Spring Renewal Paperback – February 21, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)