Putting Into Practice: Forgiveness - Illustration

Picture this: a small village where everyone knows each other's names and stories. The village leader, a wise old woman, tells of a time when she had a falling out with her dearest friend over a misunderstanding. Instead of letting pride win, she chose to forgive. With a heart full of hope, she approached her friend, opened up about her feelings, and extended an olive branch. What followed was not just reconciliation, but a deeper bond forged in grace—an embodiment of hesed, the loving-kindness of God.

Now, Jesus commands us in Matthew 28:19-20 to make disciples of all nations, teaching them to obey everything He has commanded. Central to this mission is forgiveness. Just as the leader in our story chose to forgive, we too are called to embody that same spirit of forgiveness within our community. When we forgive, we not only heal our relationships but also become witnesses to the transformative power of Christ's love in our daily lives.

Imagine the joy that erupts when a long-held grudge is released, when the burden of resentment is lifted! This is spiritual growth in action. Forgiveness allows us to move forward together, creating a fellowship that reflects the heart of Jesus. This week, I challenge you to identify one relationship in your life where you can extend forgiveness. As you do, remember that you are not just practicing a principle; you are participating in the very mission Jesus entrusted to us, spreading His love and grace in tangible ways. Let us become a community marked by forgiveness, joy, and spiritual growth.