Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. MATTHEW 6:12 

One common denominator we can find in many difficult circumstances is that of another person’s actions that either caused or helped to cause the situation we are left to deal with. Someone else’s misguided actions—or maybe even intentional ones—can affect a myriad of people’s lives, including yours. It could be a drunk driver who killed a loved one, or someone who stole your life savings for drugs.  

It is very hard to turn down the heat of anger and prevent resentment from growing without bringing in another denominator, and that is forgiveness. Without it, hearts harden, and lives never get back to a state of true peace, let alone experience any amount of genuine joy. 

Forgiveness isn’t a pass to let someone else off the hook. It’s the key for saving our own hearts by placing them back into the mercy and love of a God who understands and promises justice in His perfect time and way. 

Lord, it’s hard to forgive. It’s hard to trust again. It’s hard to release my anger and my pain without seeking my own restitution. Help me to wrap my emotions around Your Word to forgive, even if I don’t feel like it. It’s the right thing to do and what it will take to move forward and find Your peace again. Please mend my heart and help usher my mind and spirit into a place where I can release my hurt completely to You, forgive my offenders, and trust You with the outcome.  

TO YOU BE ALL THE GLORY. AMEN. 

This is an excerpt from Daily Prayers for Grieving Hearts – a devotional now available on DaySpring.com. Shop all books, journals, and devotions from DaySpring here.