Devotional
One of the biggest misconceptions about forgiveness is that it’s primarily an emotional experience. We think we need to feel forgiving before we can actually forgive. We wait for the anger to subside, for the hurt to heal, for our emotions to align with our intentions. But forgiveness is not an emotional act – it’s a decision of the will that overrides the feelings of our emotions. It’s choosing to forgive even when every fiber of our being wants to hold onto the hurt. This is both challenging and liberating. It’s challenging because it means we can’t use our emotions as an excuse to withhold forgiveness. We can’t say, ‘I’ll forgive when I feel like it’ or ‘I’m just not ready yet.’ But it’s liberating because it means we don’t have to wait for our feelings to change before we can obey God’s command to forgive. For many of us, forgiveness isn’t a one-time decision but a daily choice. Every morning we wake up and have to remind our hearts, ‘I have already decided to forgive.’ When the memories resurface, when the pain feels fresh, when we’re tempted to rehearse the offense again, we return to our decision. This daily recommitment to forgiveness is normal and necessary. It doesn’t mean our initial forgiveness wasn’t real or complete. It means we’re human beings with emotions that need to catch up to our decisions. Jesus understands this struggle. He knows that forgiveness is often a process, not just an event. He’s patient with us as we learn to align our hearts with our choices. He doesn’t condemn us for having to forgive the same person for the same offense multiple times. The key is making the decision and then returning to it as often as necessary. Each time we choose forgiveness over bitterness, we’re strengthening our spiritual muscles and becoming more like Christ.
Bible Verse
‘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
Reflection Question
What daily reminders or practices could help you return to your decision to forgive when your emotions try to pull you back into unforgiveness?
Quote
“Forgiveness is not an emotional act. Forgiveness is a decision of the will that overrides the feelings of the emotions.” -Pastor Jerry Madden
Prayer
God, thank You that forgiveness is a decision I can make regardless of how I feel. Help me to choose forgiveness daily, even when my emotions resist. Strengthen my will to align with Your will, and be patient with me as my heart catches up. Amen.