Relationships That Flourish: A 30-Day Devotional on Finding Security in Christ and Growing Healthy ConnectionsNäide

In any relationship, there will be moments when we are hurt or disappointed by others. Sometimes the wound is small; other times it feels impossible to reconcile our hurt. Forgiveness in these moments can feel impossible. Receiving and extending forgiveness is something that God asks us to practice in our relationships. Forgiveness is a process that requires patience, with ourselves and others . When we are hurt, it takes time to sort through the emotions and thoughts that come with it. We may feel we’ve forgiven someone, only to have the pain resurface later. Forgiveness is not often a momentary decision, but a journey we continue to walk.

Forgiveness does not mean forgetting or pretending the hurt never happened. Especially when trauma or repeated harm is involved, forgetting is neither possible nor healthy. Instead, forgiveness means choosing to respond to the memory of the hurt in a way that aligns with grace. It also means we can set boundaries to protect ourselves from ongoing harm. Forgiving someone does not require us to remain in unhealthy or unsafe relationships.

As we walk this path of forgiveness, we remember that God is with us. He understands forgiveness because He has extended it to us first, through Jesus. Paul reminds us: “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” The more we reflect on God’s mercy toward us—that He has removed our sins “as far as the east is from the west” (Psalm 103:12)—the more we are empowered to extend grace to others. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the hurt, but it draws us closer to God and frees us from bitterness. God can give peace in the midst of any pain.

Reflect: Is there someone I need to begin the process of forgiving?

Pray: God, thank You for forgiving me fully in Christ. Help me to rest in Your grace, to release bitterness, and to extend forgiveness to those who have hurt me.