SPEAKER_00: Some hurts don't fade with time.
SPEAKER_00: They settle deep inside of us.
SPEAKER_00: We replay the conversation, rethink what was said, and carry the weight of it long after the moment has passed.
SPEAKER_00: If we're not careful, bitterness begins to build, and the person who hurt us becomes defined by what they did.
SPEAKER_00: Forgiveness is how that cycle is broken.
SPEAKER_00: It doesn't excuse the wrong or pretend it didn't matter.
SPEAKER_00: It means placing the hurt into God's hands instead of carrying it ourselves.
SPEAKER_00: Paul understood how unresolved conflict could be divisive, so he gave believers this instruction in Colossians 3 13.
SPEAKER_00: Bear with each other and forgive one another.
SPEAKER_00: If any of you has a grievance against someone, forgive as the Lord forgave you.
SPEAKER_00: Those words set a high standard.
SPEAKER_00: We forgive because Christ first forgave us.
SPEAKER_00: His mercy becomes the pattern for our own.
SPEAKER_00: The standard was never about how deserving others are, but rather how forgiven we are.
SPEAKER_00: Begin by thanking God for his patience toward you, for the many times he extended mercy when you needed it most.
SPEAKER_00: Let a few of those moments come to mind.
SPEAKER_00: You don't have to minimize your hurt or pretend it was inconsequential.
SPEAKER_00: Tell him honestly what you're carrying.
SPEAKER_00: Ask him to help you to begin the process of surrendering and forgiving.
SPEAKER_00: Picture yourself placing that hurt into his hands.
SPEAKER_00: As you rest in his presence, simply whisper, Lord, I release it to you.
SPEAKER_00: If that prayer feels difficult, start small by asking God to bless them with truth, healing, and peace, even if you can't feel that yet.
SPEAKER_00: Thank you for seeing every hurt and caring about every wound.
SPEAKER_00: Teach us to forgive as you have forgiven us.
SPEAKER_00: Help us let go of bitterness, trust you with what we cannot change, and walk in the freedom only you can give.
SPEAKER_00: In Jesus' name.
SPEAKER_00: Amen.