Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you (Col. 3:13 NLV).

When we were children, our father repeatedly promised to come and get my brother and me for a visit with him. He would never show. I wrote him a letter (around the age of thirteen) letting him know the hurt that I felt. There was no response from him. This led to anger and frustration.

As an adult, I realized that I had not truly dealt with my feelings concerning my father. Participating in a small group from church, I was able to acknowledge ad express my feelings of rejection. With the help of God, Pastor, and the group, I was able to heal and fully forgive my father. Now our relationship is the best that it has ever been because my happiness is not based on his actions or lack thereof.

The Bible makes it clear that we will have grievances against each other. The response should be quick forgiveness based on the knowledge that we all fall short and need forgiveness. Just as God graciously and freely forgives us; we are to do the same for others.

If you are dealing with a painful relationship, obey God. Be quick to forgive and let go of the pain. Holding on to negative emotions only hurt you. The offender goes on happily with his life, blissfully ignorant of how bad you hurt. We do things that are not pleasing to God, but He forgives us. We must do the same so that we will be happy and whole.

Prayer: Father God, rejection is hard, especially from a parent. I pray that every reader will be able to let go of any hate and come to a place of forgiveness. Lord, give them peace over their situation and mend their relationship. Heal their hearts and let them know that they have a loving Father in you. Amen.

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  • Reprinted with permission, this week’s blog is an excerpt from “Praise from the Pews: A 70 Day Devotional” (2017). If you were encouraged by this devotional, you will really be blessed by the other 89 devotionals offered in “Praise from the Pews.” It may be purchased on the home page of this web site and will be shipped to you speedily.