Bloom: Fresh Devotionals For Girls Part TwoSample

Forgiveness

All friends fight. It’s going to happen. You talk it out and forgive each other. Then what? It’s hard to forget sometimes, especially if they hurt you. Then the next time you all fight, out spills all the past hurts, and everyone’s upset. 

Dwelling on a matter can separate even the closest of friends. If your friend (or you) has asked for forgiveness, and the past has been put right, you are not acting in love to continually bring it up. 1 Corinthians 13 also says that “love keeps no record of wrongs.” 

It’s not that you completely forget, but whenever the situation comes to mind, say a quick prayer like, “Thank you, Jesus, for your forgiveness toward me. I have forgiven ________ for _________, and I’m not changing my mind.” 

The more you do this, the less the situation will come to mind. When you do this, you can build a stronger friendship.

What about me?

Is there something that you need to forgive a friend for? Is there something you need to ask a friend to forgive you for? Write out your words in a journal or on a note on your phone as practice, then pray and ask God for help to make things right with your friend. Understand that it may take time, but we can always trust the results with Him.