Heal Unhealthy Love Patterns 7-Day PlanSample

Choose to Let Go of Offenses and Forgive

Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.
— 1 Peter 3:9 (ESV)

Forgiveness is one of the most important things we can do to create and maintain healthy relationships. Any unforgiveness we carry can negatively affect the other people in our lives. It hinders our ability to lovingly connect with and care for our spouse, children, friends, and others. Ultimately, offenses not only impede our relationships—but they also affect our relationship with the Lord (Matthew 6:14–15).

The Bible clarifies that forgiveness is important to God and our lives. As we let go of offenses, hurts, and wounds, God forgives us of our failures and mistakes, and He comes into our lives with His peace, power, and love in even deeper ways than we can imagine.

This is not to say that what happened to you doesn’t matter or that the other person who harmed you doesn’t have to face any consequences for their actions. Poor choices and evil acts do have consequences! What is important to remember is that what happened to you doesn’t have to sabotage your life. Choosing your power in the Lord by forgiving others will allow Him to heal your wound and free up more energy for greater success. Keep looking to God and His promises as your reward, and you will be motivated to move in the right direction.

Decide today to ask the Lord to help you release any offenses or wounds in your life that are hindering the flow of His joy, His power, and His blessings in your life.

Here are three Bible-based affirmations for today:

I AM forgiven. I AM forgiving. I AM becoming more skilled in growing healthy relationships. ­

Remember, we capitalize the I AM to demonstrate our awareness that Christ in us gives us everything we need. We are nothing without Him.