Posted by Devotional for Today, November 19, 2025
Topic: He Lived in Forgiveness
Verse: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” – Luke 23:34
One strange scripture I have found in the Bible is Matthew 6:15 “
But if you do not forgive others their trespasses [their reckless and willful sins, leaving them, letting them go, and giving up resentment], neither will your Father forgive you your trespasses.”
Jesus was trying to model prayer for us and says if we do not forgive others, we will not receive forgiveness for our sins.
That is deep.
It tells us how God expects us to live. The life of a believer is not one that holds on to offense.
People will wrong you – it is inevitable. Family, friends, colleagues, church members, children and so on. You will be offended by the actions and inactions of others. But the Bible says, we must forgive the shortcomings of others.
Not just because it is good but because it allows you enjoy forgiveness from God too.
Jesus showed us a life lived in forgiveness.
For someone who was unjustly crucified – the very people He loved, taught, fed, and prayed for were demanding His crucifixion – yet He still asked the Father to forgive them.
That’s hard. I am not sure I can do that. Notwithstanding, it is the life that we have been called to live. It is the life that the Author and Finisher of our Faith lived.
Today, let us pray for grace to forgive those who have hurt us. Let go of the bitterness and resentment you feel. Reach out to them if you can and tell them genuinely that you have forgiven them and do not hold it against them.
Prayer for the Day
Father, thank You for reminding me of the need to live a life of forgiveness. I have been hurt and held the offense too close to my heart. Lord, today, I let it go. I genuinely forgive – mention the name(s) if the person(s) that hurt you – and let this hurt go. Amen.