Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
The Greek word for forgiveness in the New Testament is “aphesis” (ἄφεσις), which means release, pardon, or letting go. It signifies the act of freeing someone from an obligation, guilt, or punishment. This is the kind of forgiveness God extends to us—total, complete, and undeserved.
God’s type of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the attribute of God that makes Him merciful. It is part of His eternal nature. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8). His forgiveness does not come from mere obligation but from His loving spirit. He forgives, not because we deserve it, but because His nature is love (1 John 4:8).
Everyone who carries the Spirit of God must also exhibit this divine nature. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s character, and forgiveness is a major aspect of it. Jesus, in His ministry, repeatedly emphasized the necessity of forgiving others. In Matthew 6:14-15, He says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Overcoming the pain of betrayal
As we journey through life, people will hurt us—family, friends, business associates, and even those we deeply trust. Betrayal is often painful, and the natural response is to seek revenge or hold onto resentment. However, the Spirit of God within us brings peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace, combined with the joy of the Lord, empowers us to walk in the newness of heart and forgive totally.
Many say, “If someone hurts you, let them go.” While it is true that not everyone deserves to remain in our close circle after intentional harm, we must not harbor hatred or dwell on past pains. Some people live in perpetual hurt and struggle to move forward, but God calls us to live in freedom.
The totality of forgiveness
True forgiveness is not just about letting go of the offense but also about forgetting and reinstating others, sometimes even blessing them beyond what they deserve. Jesus demonstrated this ultimate forgiveness when He laid down His life for us. While we were sinners, He died for us (Romans 5:8). He didn’t just forgive our sins; He gave us eternal life and restored us to sonship (John 1:12).
Likewise, we are called to extend this grace to others. Forgiving as Christ forgave means not only releasing others from the guilt of their actions but also loving them unconditionally. This level of forgiveness is possible only through the Spirit of God within us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart willing to forgive. I acknowledge that forgiveness is not always easy, but with Your Spirit within me, I can release every hurt and pain. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me—to let go, to love, and to restore. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding and the joy that strengthens my soul. May my life reflect Your mercy and love to all those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
- Ephesians 4:32
- Luke 6:37
- Matthew 18:21-22
- Psalm 103:12
May this devotional inspire and strengthen you in the journey of forgiveness.
RELATED DEVOTIONAL
2 April, 2025
“Forgive each other, just as God has forgiven you.”
Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
The Greek word for forgiveness in the New Testament is “aphesis” (ἄφεσις), which means release, pardon, or letting go. It signifies the act of freeing someone from an obligation, guilt, or punishment. This is the kind of forgiveness God extends to us—total, complete, and undeserved.
God’s type of Forgiveness
Forgiveness is the attribute of God that makes Him merciful. It is part of His eternal nature. “The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy” (Psalm 103:8). His forgiveness does not come from mere obligation but from His loving spirit. He forgives, not because we deserve it, but because His nature is love (1 John 4:8).
Everyone who carries the Spirit of God must also exhibit this divine nature. As believers, we are called to reflect God’s character, and forgiveness is a major aspect of it. Jesus, in His ministry, repeatedly emphasized the necessity of forgiving others. In Matthew 6:14-15, He says, “For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Overcoming the pain of betrayal
As we journey through life, people will hurt us—family, friends, business associates, and even those we deeply trust. Betrayal is often painful, and the natural response is to seek revenge or hold onto resentment. However, the Spirit of God within us brings peace that surpasses all human understanding (Philippians 4:7). This peace, combined with the joy of the Lord, empowers us to walk in the newness of heart and forgive totally.
Many say, “If someone hurts you, let them go.” While it is true that not everyone deserves to remain in our close circle after intentional harm, we must not harbor hatred or dwell on past pains. Some people live in perpetual hurt and struggle to move forward, but God calls us to live in freedom.
The totality of forgiveness
True forgiveness is not just about letting go of the offense but also about forgetting and reinstating others, sometimes even blessing them beyond what they deserve. Jesus demonstrated this ultimate forgiveness when He laid down His life for us. While we were sinners, He died for us (Romans 5:8). He didn’t just forgive our sins; He gave us eternal life and restored us to sonship (John 1:12).
Likewise, we are called to extend this grace to others. Forgiving as Christ forgave means not only releasing others from the guilt of their actions but also loving them unconditionally. This level of forgiveness is possible only through the Spirit of God within us.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I come before You with a heart willing to forgive. I acknowledge that forgiveness is not always easy, but with Your Spirit within me, I can release every hurt and pain. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me—to let go, to love, and to restore. Fill me with Your peace that surpasses all understanding and the joy that strengthens my soul. May my life reflect Your mercy and love to all those around me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Related Bible Verses
- Ephesians 4:32
- Luke 6:37
- Matthew 18:21-22
- Psalm 103:12
May this devotional inspire and strengthen you in the journey of forgiveness.
