Colossians 3:13

Bear with each other and forgive one another if have of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you ~ Colossians 3:13

 To forgive does not necessarily mean to forget. There are times when people hurt us very deeply, and we cannot forget what has occurred. We do not need to continue to involve ourselves in a close relationship which continues to hurt us. We do need to forgive, however. There is not one of us who is perfect, but One! He died on the cross for our sins, and there He removed them from us through His forgiveness. "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do" were Jesus words spoken from the cross, not only to those who had hung Him there, but to those who would read His words and hear what He has spoken. I make mistakes, and so do you. We are forgiven for those. When we then forgive others for the cross they place upon our back, we remove any bitterness that may enter our heart, and stain our witness for Christ. When we forgive, it does not take away the consequences of the others actions, they will have to deal with them, but it makes a way for us to have healthy relationships which can then find their basis in the Christ of the Cross. Be open about your grievance with another and try to find ways to mend what may be broken, but move on through forgiveness whether it can be fixed or not. It is the only way to cleanse our heart. 
Devotion by Pastor Julia

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