Just the Two of Us: A 7-Day Devotional for Teen Girls to Increase Intimacy With GodSample

FORGIVENESS

Forgiveness is a tough one! It is why we saved the best for last! It’s one of the most important factors in building our relationship with God. Our ability to forgive others is directly attached to God’s desire to forgive us. I need forgiveness every day because I don’t always get it right! So this means I have to forgive people for the pain and hurt they caused and forgive myself for the part I may have played.

And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins.” (Mark 11:25)

I have a friend I didn’t speak to for almost two years. We were both mad at each other because we hurt each other’s feelings. We were friends for about eight years before our fallout. The entire time we didn’t talk, I thought about her often. She had always been a great friend, and I missed her dearly. I reached out to her one day. We talked it out and transparently acknowledged each other’s feelings, took accountability for our actions and apologized. Our relationship has flourished to new heights because of forgiveness.

Sometimes we don’t always get the chance to talk it out with the others involved. Maybe the other person isn't open to forgiveness or even having a conversation. Either way, forgiveness starts in our hearts. Here are a few tips for beginning the process of forgiveness.

1. Honor your feelings and acknowledge those emotions.

2. Surrender it to God and ask for His guidance on the situation.

3. Pray for the other person.

4. Trust God to handle it from here.

One of the most powerful examples of forgiveness in the Bible was Jesus looking down from the cross and saying,

“Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”

He was surrounded by his enemies, tortured, beaten, mocked, spit on, and wearing a crown of thorns. A pain we can’t even imagine, but He took a moment to ask God to forgive them. We should have this heart posture every day, but it takes work.

How about we start with one person today. Who is a person you know you need to forgive? Follow the above steps and release it today. You deserve to experience the freedom that comes with forgiveness.