Today’s Reflection
FORGIVENESS IS A MAJOR RELEASE: a release from the prison and burden of the past. This release does not mean release from responsibility for what was done. Nor does release necessarily mean release from paying a penalty in this world. It means release from the chains of resentment and guilt that hold us back from entering God’s freedom, the new beginning as a beloved child of God. It means release from the expectations and obligations of the past so that we and those who injured us may start anew.
—Flora Slosson Wuellner, Forgiveness the Passionate Journey: Nine Steps of Forgiving through Jesus’ Beatitudes (Upper Room Books, 2001)
Today’s Question
When have you experienced the release that comes with forgiveness? Join the conversation.
Today’s Scripture
For freedom Christ has set us free. Stand firm, therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.
—Galatians 5:1 (NRSV)
Prayer for the Week
Holy One, give me guidance to listen, clarity to address my pain, and strength to forgive.
Submit your prayer to The Upper Room.
Something More
Explore resources from Pockets and devozine magazines designed to help young people love one another even when it’s difficult. Learn more.
Lectionary Readings
(Courtesy of Vanderbilt Divinity Library)
Looking for lectionary-based resources? Learn more about The Upper Room Disciplines.
5 Comments
Many years, early on in a relationship, I had expectations (unbeknownst to me) which I was asserting on the other person, on our relationship. It wasn’t my intention, and I was very immature. Oh so immature. That person stuck with me. She was much wiser and very mature in Christ. I was fledgling – in deep human relationships and in my walk with the Lord. Thankfully she didn’t hold it against me and so much of my current walk with Him is due to her influence. Thank You, Father.
Father – lead me to be an instrument of Your peace, to offer forgiveness which is full. May You be glorified.
I think I have said it here before – forgiveness for one person does not come easily for me. I could write paragraphs on this but I will not. I am rather ashamed that I struggle with forgiveness – that was certainly not the person I used to be. I pray that with time and more healing I will be able to let go and forgive. I want to be more like Jesus and I pray for God’s peace in my heart to be able to one day forgive and let go. I’m working on that. The hurt and betrayal is deep. Sunday’s service included a prayer that I have written down- it said God is able to help us endure the things that cannot be changed. God is able. He is near to the broken hearted.
Prayers and blessings for you all today. Thankful for all of you and the many prayers offered here on my behalf. I pray for you all and your needs and joys and concerns daily.
There are many I struggle to fully forgive in my heart. I know in my head that these people were deeply flawed by their life circumstances or mental issues, but my heart still aches. Since two are my parents, itis a little girl who hurts and questions why.
Prayers for Jill and may her health continue to be good.
Prayers for Lou, who shares my struggles with forgiving a (ex)spouse who betrayed our hearts and trust.
Prayers for Robert as he selflessly continues to support his son.
Prayers for Rick, for success with his new medication and his new schedule.
Prayers for health concerns for Andrea, Connie, and Marcy. Prayers for blessings for April, BJ, Edy and Mary.
Prayers and thank you UR
Good morning, UR family! No matter what is troubling us, may we know that we are in peace, knowing that God is still surrounding us. Thank you Julie for your continued prayers. More prayers for your well-being. May all of uou have a blessed day.
I was blessed with that release. It was unexpected and like a weigh being lifted off while I was completing my Amends in early recovery. There have been times when i couldn’t forgive from my head or heart. It required outside help working with a psychologist and my pastor. Sometimes bad things happens to good people for which they had to part.. Forgiveness to one’s self is perhaps the hardest.
Thank you all for your prayers, the new medication is working.
Thank you Heavenly Father for the UR staff and for providing this place of refuge and spiritual nourishment for our souls. Thank you, for the amazing men and women that provide guidance and prayers and give us hope on our journey. Hear our prayers Lord.
Rick
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