Friendships That LastSample

Forgiveness in Friendship

Free—released from anger, pain, bitterness. Free to live your life without the heavy burden of guilt and grief. What a wonderful thought! Is it possible to live in such a way? Forgiveness is what brings this blessed release and freedom.

God is the author of forgiveness. There is no one like Him. God delights in showing mercy. Because of this truth, we know that any forgiveness we can give others does not come from ourselves—it comes from God. He is forming our hearts to be like His so that we can love and forgive our friends as He does. Through Christ’s sacrifice, we have received the gift of forgiveness, allowing us to become part of God’s family. Jesus wants to experience this in our friendships as well.

Spend a few moments listening to the Holy Spirit. Ask Him to show you the hurt and anger that are keeping your heart from being free. Are there pieces of your heart that are dwelling in the darkness of bitterness and anger? Are you holding on to pain or resentment that darkens your friendships? Open the windows of your soul to His light and allow Him to clear away the darkness of your past hurts and allow His light to penetrate your heart and your relationships with others. 

Let God, who shows us the example of true forgiveness, help you to delight in mercy. Pray that God will expose the places in your friendships that need His healing light. Pray that you and your friends will feel the warmth of His love, which casts out all darkness and fills the empty spaces in your heart with hope.

• How has God shown forgiveness to you? Praise Him for His mercy!
• Who is God prompting you to extend forgiveness to today?