Finding Peace Through Forgiveness
"Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another." - Colossians 3:13a
In his book, Being the Body, Chuck Colson recalls a supernatural act of forgiveness. Rusty had brutally killed several people and sat on death row. While awaiting his fate, Rusty became a Christian and immediately began to grow in Christ. He sent letters to the families of his victims, apologizing for his actions and asking their forgiveness. About a year later, one of the families arranged to visit with him. You can imagine the tension as Rusty faced the family of one of the victims. And you can imagine Rusty's surprise when the father said, "For years I hated you. But when I came to understand that Christ has forgiven me of all my sins, I knew I had no choice but to forgive you. We're here today to let you know that we forgive you."
Now, my friends, that is not natural. That is supernatural—the supernatural power of Jesus. It is a spirit that is distinct to Christianity—the willingness to forgive others that do not deserve our forgiveness at all. That's exactly what God does for us. He forgives us through the cross even though we are completely undeserving.
Believing this brings us peace with God. And this peace gives us a desire to be at peace with others—through forgiveness.
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9 Comments
Wow, what a great and meaningful devotion today. I wish I had had this with me for the meeting I had to endure which ended up being the biggest screaming match about past grievances people had. Just another reminder to always look to the Bible for the answers to everything in our lives. - Rhonda
Forgiveness is so important in everyday life and although it is hard at times, it's so critical as we are all sinners. Let's all make a point to forgive someone today and to tell someone how much theay mean to you. In the name of Jesus Christ. - Matthew
This devotion hits home...I have a family member who is being eaten up by anger and hurt because of another family member. I know this happens in most, if not all, families. This person's anger and hurt is causing all kinds of physical and emotional symptoms. She is a believer, so I am praying that she can get to a place of forgiveness with Christ's supernatural help. I have experienced this and it's like a weight of a thousand tons is lifted off of you. I am so thankful I have a chance to be forgiven also. He knows what's best for us when He asks us to forgive. - Melanie
I agree, anger and unforgiveness are like acid eating the container they are sitting in. So, if you are angry and holding unforgiveness in your heart against someone else hoping they will be hurt it is only going to backfire and hurt you physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Give up that anger and forgive them, they hold no power against you. - Cindy
Beautiful Devotion! I need all the reminders I can get about forgiveness. I am trying to arrive at that place with my husband, who has left me after 36 years of marriage. I go thru cycles of anger, then remembering that I must forgive him. - Carol
I thank God that He shows us the road to forgiveness. Recently I have had an occasion to either forgive or stew about something that happened where someone failed to include me in an event I would very much have liked to attend (a funeral) to show respect for a beloved family friend. Thanks to Jesus working in me I was able to give the benefit of the doubt and not make assumptions. I gave it all over to God who knows all the details. Having forgiven and dropped the opportunity to cultivate anger I can say definitely I found peace through forgiveness. Another relevant devotion and another chance to say thanks, RFTH. - Janice
Powerful. I have been stuggling with the unexpected death of my 54 year old mother 3 weeks ago and tonight while at work I get a call that her sister of 52years is on her death bed a battle from cancer. It is easy for my human nature to be angery at God. Perhaps I need to give him the same understanding that he gives us. - Rebecca
This is very powerful. Sometimes I feel like God will not forgive my sins and most are not nearly as bad as murder, but God forgives everyone and wants us to do the same. I have felt this kind of forgiveness before. - Adrian Rodriguez
7 x 7 Just 7 x 7 Matthew 18 vs 21. - Hal