Ephesians 4:31-32 Let all bitterness, rage, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, along with all malice. Instead, be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.
Forgiveness is often easy to say, but when faced with real hurt, the inner struggle is immense. C.S. Lewis reminds me that the true test of forgiveness is in the face of offense. Ephesians teaches us that forgiveness is not because the other person deserves it, but because I have already been forgiven in Christ. Forgiveness, it turns out, is a living testimony of Christ's grace, a way to let go of my own rights and demonstrate God's mercy.
Lord, I confess that when faced with offense, my heart often hardens, even to the point of wanting revenge or withdrawal. But you forgave me on the cross, granting me free grace. Please empower me to learn to forgive even in the midst of hurt, allowing my life to be an outpouring of your grace. May I embrace others with your love and mercy, as you first forgave me. Amen.