“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness is a strange gift. We give it, and yet it frees us.
Paul knew the human heart well. He didn’t say *forgive if you feel like it*. He didn’t say *forgive when it’s easy*. He pointed us straight to the cross: *forgive as God forgave you*.
That’s the hard part, isn’t it? Forgiving like He did. Not halfway. Not with strings. Not only after an apology. Just grace—grace that keeps no record, grace that lets go even when it still hurts a little.
But here’s the thing: when we carry bitterness, we’re the ones who feel the weight. It poisons joy, sours conversations, and keeps our hearts chained to the past. Forgiveness? It’s not saying what they did was okay. It’s saying we won’t let it define us anymore.
God didn’t wait for us to deserve it. He didn’t bargain or demand payment first. While we were still sinners, Christ died for us. That’s our example.
Maybe you’re holding on to something today—a wound, a word, a wrong that still stings. Don’t wait for perfect closure. Forgiveness is the beginning of freedom, not the end of pain.
So take a quiet moment. Bring it to the cross. Whisper the name. Release the weight. And feel the gentle joy that comes when forgiveness finally gets the last word.
I’m Lonnie Davis, and these are thoughts worth thinking.