The Single Mom Journeyਨਮੂਨਾ

Day 10: Forgiveness

I used to quote Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) to my children often: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” But for a long time, I struggled to actually live out the “forgiving one another” part myself.

How was I supposed to forgive my husband for walking away and leaving me to raise three children with no support? I’ll never forget a powerful sermon I heard at my home church about bitterness. Around that same time, my husband’s brother, Pastor David Teis, wrote me a letter encouraging me not to let bitterness take root in my heart. He reminded me that bitterness would not only hurt me—it would also hurt my children.

And he was right. It was so easy to become bitter, not just toward my husband, but even toward God. After all, we had prayed for years that my husband would change and turn back to God, but it never happened. My dream of having a strong family and being a stay-at-home wife and mom felt completely shattered.

Bitterness truly steals your joy. I used to be a happy person, but bitterness turned me into someone I hardly recognized. Thankfully, over time, and with God’s help, I was able to forgive. Fourteen years after he left, I saw my ex-husband again—and I knew in my heart that I had forgiven him.

I also had to ask God to forgive me for the bitterness I had held toward Him. It wasn’t His fault.

Even now, Satan still tries to bring those old feelings back. But each day, I choose to surrender my past to God and trust Him with it. The last part of Ephesians 4:32 reminds us that God forgave us—so how can I not extend that same forgiveness to others, even when it’s hard?

Day 10: Challenge

Forgiveness: The First Step Forward

One truth we can’t avoid is this: there will be times in life when we must forgive others. No one is perfect—people can hurt, disappoint, or even abandon us. But forgiveness is a critical step on your journey as a single mom. If you want to keep moving forward, you must begin here.

Maybe you’ve already told yourself, “I’ve forgiven the person who put me in this situation.” And maybe you have. But forgiveness often goes deeper than just one person or one event. Sometimes, there’s hidden anger or bitterness toward others too—toward a parent, a friend, a coworker, or even toward God. It could be directed at anyone who hurt, neglected, or failed you in your time of need.

When we hold onto unforgiveness, it weighs us down. It damages our relationships, steals our peace, and plants seeds of bitterness that can grow into anger, mistrust, and even hatred. Left unchecked, that bitterness can affect your future, your children, and your relationship with God.

Forgiveness doesn’t mean you’re excusing what someone did—it means you’re choosing freedom over bondage.

So, where do you start?

This might be the hardest part of your journey, but it’s also the most freeing. Some of you may have multiple people to forgive, and that’s okay. Just start with one. Take the first step and let God lead you through the rest.

What’s the foundation for forgiveness?

When Jesus died on the cross, He offered us the ultimate example. He forgave all of our sins—past, present, and future. Not because we deserved it, but because of His love and grace.

Ephesians 4:32 (NKJV) reminds us: "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you."

Just as Christ has forgiven you, He calls you to forgive others. And when you wrong someone, it’s also your responsibility to seek forgiveness.

This is the beginning of your journey—and it begins with forgiveness.

Day 10: Action

Let God Begin the Healing

Take a moment to write down the names of people in your life that you need to forgive. This could include someone who hurt you deeply, let you down, or left you feeling abandoned.

Then, begin to pray for each person on your list. Ask God to forgive you for any bitterness, anger, or resentment you may be carrying in your heart.

Each day, ask the Lord to give you His strength and wisdom to respond with love, even toward those who have wounded you. With God's help, healing is possible, and forgiveness can become freedom.

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