Made New: A 15–Day Devotional on Colossians 3 With Jada EdwardsSample

Christ has forgiven all our offenses against Him. In today’s devotional, Jada reminds us that just as God has forgiven us, we should forgive those who hurt us.

Reflect

Jada explained that the word for forgiveness in this verse means more than just letting go of an offense. It implies responding with generosity, kindness, and extending favor to the one who’s done something hurtful. That kind of grace seems unnatural, and sometimes impossible to practice. What would have to change in your heart to forgive someone who has wronged you? What could it look like to extend generosity, kindness, and favor to someone who has hurt you?

Often when we’ve been hurt, we want the offenders to change or realize what harm they’ve done. But Christlike forgiveness doesn’t wait for the other party to change. What is your initial response to being hurt? How willing are you to forgive even when you see no change in the offender?

Respond

Forgiveness is costly. It requires that we carry our pain, refuse vengeance, and see our enemies in the best light. God showed us a clear picture of forgiveness in His Son, Jesus, who did not wait for us to clean ourselves up or apologize before showing us His love.

Is there any hurt that you are holding onto that needs to be confronted with Christlike forgiveness? To whom do you need to show forgiveness?