“So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him” 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, ESV.
We all make mistakes in life, and since this is the case, you would think we’d be more compassionate towards each other. However, the truth is we’re not.
While getting over a simple mistake my husband made, I let him know that I forgave him. And while my mouth said “I forgive you” my actions said otherwise. It wasn’t until God visited me in my sleep and spoke to me in a dream. He told me to “Love him and forgive him fully.” I didn’t know I was harboring resentment until God revealed it to me. Sometimes we don’t know we’re doing wrong until God reveals it to us. So when I woke up, I immediately turned to him, embraced him, and told him I’m sorry for not forgiving him fully.
When God says, “Be angry and sin not”, he means you may have a justifiable reason for your anger, but it doesn’t give you the right to take matters into your own hands (see Ephesians 4:26). Someone may have truly hurt you or treated you unfairly. To be angry is a natural human response, but to hold on to that anger and go about punishing someone for what they did is sin.
God says, “Love them and forgive them fully.”
What does it mean to forgive someone fully? In writing to the church at Corinth, the apostle Paul was letting them know how to handle emotional pain caused by fellow members in the church. He wrote to them, “So you should rather turn to forgive and comfort him, or he may be overwhelmed by excessive sorrow. So I beg you to reaffirm your love for him (see 2 Corinthians 2:7-8, ESV).” If you read the text closely, you’ll find three steps he gave:
• Forgive them
• Comfort them
• Reaffirm your love
That’s our example. Jesus did the same for us. He not only said He forgive us and pardoned our sins, but He showed it (see Romans 5:8). That’s what we must seek to do.
Prayer: Lord, I’m sorry for not loving and forgiving people like I should. You don’t want partial obedience, you want total obedience to your word. I forgive everyone who has ever hurt me or wronged me. And I ask you to forgive me for everyone I’ve hurt or wronged. The same mercy you have shown me, I choose to show it to them. The same love you give me daily, help me give it away. Help me Lord not to take matters into my own hands. Help me love and forgive people fully. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Disclaimer: We recognize there are several different types of abuse and all of them are totally unacceptable. However, today we specifically encourage those who are being physically harmed not to stay there trying to “forgive, comfort and reaffirm your love” toward an abuser. Doing this could put your life in serious danger.
Penned by Kesha Trippett
Wow. Just in time. My husband kept failing and failing. My love grew cold for him. And my heart hardened towards him. That I gave up. This word came just in time. 💔😭 I surrender and submitt everything to you Lord!
My grandchildren reminded me that when I hold on to hurt, disappointments, I only weigh myself down, out of the words of babe’s
Amen and Hallelujah this word came just in time I have been slipping deeper and deeper into depression because of the treatment of others people act like I have no feelings and they talk to me or do things to me physically like I’m not supposed to get angry and my other friends that see these things happening to me they get angry at me because I don’t respond the way they think I should I keep my mind on Jesus when he was carrying the cross and the people were lying on him and saying things to him and he never said anything in Jesus name please keep me strong and keep my mind focused on you in Jesus name I pray and thank you so much for this awesome word in Jesus name I pray Amen
Thank you for being obedient to the Lord. We can get caught in thinking we are right in our eyes and continue to sin. It is a evil trick of Satan .And keeps us bound. We are to drop those who wrong us and let God handle the rest. Amen. We then are free to love unconditionally. This is a lesson we will grow in everyday. I enjoy every devotional that comes out each day from this website. It’s what I need to hear right then. Gods Holy Spirit never fails or gives up on us.
I have 4 s i sisters 2 of which have told me they don’t like my husband one of them called him mean names…i have forgiven them, i hold no anger, no bitterness. I do love them and i believe i have forgiven them, but i cannot go around them…am i wrong in staying away?
Praise God for his true light on all of us. “Praise Him”. Thank you Lord, for teaching me daily how to really “Love” your people. Kesha Trippett, thank you sister, for your obedience to the Lord.
God is so “Good”. God has smiled on me, He’s been good to me.
Amen i will obey the Word of the Lord and thank You Lord Jesus Christ for loving me and forgiving me. I decree and delcare that I will forgive fully in Jesus Name Amen!
My God thank you for this daily devotion on this Sunday morning have fully forgave them that brought me pain and hurt because God gets all the glory in the mis in the midst of it all forgiving with your heart love and because God gets all the glory Say Amen thank you Father God for the lifting devotions that you had sent my way and Jesus name Amen and Amen again
Amen Amen Amen Amen. This really touched my heart this morning.
I read this just now and it spoke to me so closely. I realize part of me still feeling angry is that I may other have forgiven fully. And I need to work on that.
This is exceedingly hard to do expecially if it involves someone who you deeply love. God restores. He heals our brokenhearts. It takes us (not God) time to let it fully go and forgive. But it can be let go at any time. It’s when we feel ready. But unfortunately, we do sometimes go by feelings. It’s a real hurt and takes a real trust in the Savior. Be careful how you treat others. Pain and hurt from someone you trust runs deep. Love covers a multitude of sin. I would ask anyone on the side of hurt . Are you loving this person the way God tells us to in His word? That’s tuff to do. If not practice every single moment you are wother or speaking to this person. The more the flesh doesn’t want to fight through it press on in each moment. That is where the healing comes. Thats how we also bare much more fruit.The other question I would ask is, do you put God in charge of dealing with that person, or do you step in? I know all about that. Not fully trusting God makes it impossible to let it go. God has everlasting mercy grace and forgiveness for us. That person in our life needs ours. Only God, through us, can this be acheived. Walk by faith. Faith Hope and Love. Which of these is the greatest?
God is good and amazing. He surprises me with how he directly communicate to us what we needn’t hear. Sunday school lesson this week is about forgivable reinforced by todays devotion. When he wants us to listen he cant be ignored. Amen
Thank you Lord for the word as I begin to read the word tears begin to flow I’ve been getting the weak I begin to ask God and search myself Heaven I forgave the people fully sometime as Believers we say we forgive them with our mouths but our heart we haven’t forgave them so I’m confessing now can ask God help me to forgive them fully the people have hurt me and cause me great pain Keisha my sister in the Lord thank you word from God I know God has anointed you to give a word that a timely word I needed that
Thank you father for your direction you are most holy thank you for the forgiveness of my sins thank you for making me aware of my unforgiving heart I ask you to cleanse it of all sins thank you father faithfulness in Jesus name Amen
I am recently going through this in my marriage. My husband has broken the trust more than once …even though God continues to tell me to forgive i cant seem to let go of pain and hurt he has caused in iur relationship.
AMEN SISTER The daily devotional are ALWAYS RIGHT ON TIME. Thank you all.for being OBEDIENT to OUR FATHER.
Thank you for your obedience to God! This message reminds me to “act right,” not just say the right things. It digs deep into the trenches of our sin and forces us face ourselves and really evaluate ourselves. Can we even fix our mouths to ask God to forgive us, when we aren’t willing to forgive others ….. And we didn’t die for them. We may have sacrificed, or put up with a lot, but we sure didn’t die. Thank you again Sister, for your obedience!
**Also great disclaimer…. Do you have a national resource you can offer that will offer local help to those that reach out?**
This was right on time. As I sit here having my coffee and thanking God that he did not return while I was in my sin of un-forgiveness. Help me to whole heartly forgive those that have hurt me and for those that I have hurt forgive me.
I trust God that he would do this in his time and that I never look back but learn from it this day forward. Love you Lord and I thank all of the writers from Daughters of the King and women that reply. What a blessing this entire year has been with this devotion.
Amen Amem, thank you sister Kesha. I am sooo happy for this message. I exhaled…..I have said to myself, I forgive, I forget the wrong that have done, but immediately when I see them it comes right back. I know our Father doesn’t want that, because it’s not our battle. Father I just want to thank you for your words. Please continue to hold and strengthen me in your word.
Amen
I really appreciate this devotional I’m always telling everyone I know about the daughters of the king every single woman who leaves a comment and everyone who writes the devotionals is such a blessing to me every morning I read the devotional the is like if God is speaking directly to me my devotional comes in at about 3 or 4 in the morning and I just can’t wait to get up and read it however this one really touched my heart because I had just finished reading that scripture a while ago and had my thoughts on it because I found out that my husband cheated I do know the difference between physical abuse mental and emotional abuse because I’ve been through a lot and God has brought me through it all however, being unfaithful is so hard to put up with and to handle and I do forgive him the fact is he lied and told me he didn’t do it after I saw the video of it thats was where mental and emotional abuse came in it just broke my heart I left him and I haven’t seen him or talked to him for over a month and a half now I still truly love him I know I can forgive him and I know our marriage can be restored but we both have to want it and I need a lot of prayer from women who love God who know God who trust God. most people would tell me don’t go back to him and others who truly know God know that With God all things are possible and he can restore this, this is something that my husband must never ever do again so please sisters pray for me I have been wanting to talk to my husband and a friend of mine told me to remember Esther she waited for the right time that God told her to approach the king and the words of wisdom of God and she was Brave I however am very afraid but I’m praying for the right time and for words of wisdom most people tell me that if I don’t talk to him or let him know that I forgive him he will assume that it’s over and he will be led to do different things so I really need to let him know that not only do I forgive him but that I want this marriage to work and see what he tells me maybe he doesn’t want it to work maybe he does, but I won’t know if I don’t talk to him. so if someone can please reply to this and give me some words of encouragement it would be greatly appreciated thank you all. much love in Christ, your sister DHR
Dear sister, thank God for your life, for your heart of forgiveness. It means that you have a good heart. But you need to talk to your husband. You need to let him know that you did not like what he did even though you love him. Even though you forgive him you need to let him know that you don’t approve of his behavior so that he will not take you for granted and continue to abuse your love and forgiveness by continuing to see other women. There are some men who will continue to do whatever they like because they know that you can’t do without them and would always take them back no matter what they do. That doesn’t mean you can’t forgive them but you don’t have to continue to put up with their behavior. Please talk to your husband. Allow him to speak his mind. Let him talk about his side of the story and learn about his stand on the issue. Ignoring him is not a good idea. It is good that you have prayed for wisdom but don’t delay in talking with him. You already have the wisdom you need to talk with him but you won’t know until you actually talk to him. But don’t rush to him telling him you love him and have forgiven him. Tell him you would like to talk about what happened. And when you come together to talk let him know how you feel about the issue. Then let him talk. He may apologize or may deny or maybe be unrepentant. Anyway still forgive him. But you don’t have to continue to put up with him if is he is unrepentant. But if he denied and you know he is sincere and still loves you, let the issue go and start afresh with your love. God will give you the wisdom you need. Just be open to God and obey Him, he will guide you. No matter what decisions you make just don’t let it be from anger and resentment. God be with you.
DHR, I am in a similar situation. My husband left me to drink & cheat over & over. I always took him backfor fear of the Lord and because I love the Lord and my husband. I put up with this same thing time after time. We have now been separated for almost 3 months. I kept praying to our Savior. And Finally, I had my answer. I am to get a divorce,and God has helped me to forgive him. But God does not want me in that same situation of pain & heartache over and over. I am doing the right thing. I forgive my soon to be ex, but God has removed the evil that has hurt me now. I pray for him every day, but I do it from my home, away from him. Your sister in Christ, & in Jesus name, Amen.
Good morning sister’s in Christ
Throughout life every Christian will face difficult trials and tribulations that will cause them to question their face, who they are and whether or not they’re making the right choices. Unfortunately, there is no way of knowing what the future will bring – each person must live their life to the fullest and with an open mind. Even though we don’t have a how-to manual on life, Christians have the Bible which provides comfort and substance for the day-to-day. Having a Christian heart is crucial when walking with the Lord. Having a loving heart that’s lined with understanding and the will to withstand anything will help you become a strong individual and a follower of Jesus Christ.
Matthew 6:21 says, “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” This verse is saying that you must have honesty within your heart. Be true to yourself and those around you – and you’ll discover that your heart will guide you when you’re feeling left astray or at bay from everything that’s near and dear to you. Always listen to your heart because it will help to cultivate your decisions between right and wrong.
Proverbs 3:5 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding,” This verse is conveying the desperate need for faith within your heart. There will be challenging times that cause you to question your faith and your overall belief system; however, it’s important to have faith within your heart. When you find yourself in doubt, look to your heart to guide you into the right direction.
Proverbs 4:23 says, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” It’s important to be able to distinguish between what is right and wrong. Protect your heart from evil by not subjecting yourself to the negativity that you may encounter. It important to know what is good and bad for you. As tempting as it may be from time-to-time, guard yourself from the pain others try to bring forth.
Romans 12:2 says, “Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – his good, pleasing and perfect will.” Beyond everything – be yourself. Always strive to be the best version of yourself by being a genuine human being. Look for ways you can excel and take on those new challenges head on. It’s important to look for ways to grow, so that you can build a bigger and brighter future.
Proverbs 23:26 says, “My son, give me your heart and let your eyes delight in my ways.” Always be willing to extend your mind and soul to the Lord through the practice of Christianity. Put your trust within the Lord and allow him to be your foundation no matter how bright or dark things may seem. It’s important to have a Godly heart.
Psalms 51:10 says, “Create in me a pure heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit with me.” Have purity within your heart and never allow others to taint your wishes and beliefs. It’s important to recognize what is good and what is bad. Do not allow yourself to fall into temptation – deliver from evil.
John 14:27 says, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Therefore, each heart must have confidence. If you’re a confident person you’ll find that living life is a lot easier because you have the will to move forward. Furthermore, that confidence can help others find the will within themselves to build a better life for themselves.
If you have these seven elements within your heart, you’ll find that your life is much fuller – full of happiness, love and the Lord. Everyone’s heart has many other qualities and attributes that furnish their individuality however, these seven elements are be blessed amen
Lord God, I humbly come before u this day; asking that You powerfully illuminate the crivises of my heart to expose all unforgiveness that might still be lingering there, forgive me Lord for harbouring.
Right now I am being reminded that unless I let
go and forgive others my MANY
sins will not be forgotten.
renew my spirit in me as I let go and let you Almighty ..
I need you
to hear and answer my prayers
in Jesus’ name. Amen.
Forgiving people doesn’t mean staying in an abusive situation, Forgiving someone is letting go of the debt you think is owed so if you are being abused reach out for help there are others who know what you are going through and can help. Forgiving and loving the abuser is praying to God to help that person, but it does not mean you stay to take the abuse. Lord help us all to forgive as You have forgiven us.
Lord, if there is any unforgivness in my heart against myself or someone else, please show me, injn Amen
Thank you Jesus for your
Thank you Lord for your thought provoking word through our sister. Thank you for the desert mentioned to search myself and to make the necessary amendments for your honor and your glory in Jesus name.
Thank you for the disclaimer. Yes we are to forgive, but to also not keep ourselves in situations that allow continued sin against us. Mental/emotional , and verbal abuse are harmful as well. Flee from any type of abuse if it is detrimental to your mind or body. You still forgive, but do not comdemn yourself for removing yourself from the abuse. Too many women have left themselves and their children in mental and physically damaging situations because of their blind obedience to this scripture; and the comdemnation they or others have placed on them for wanting to choosing health over mental death.
Is it OK to Forgive someone and still avoid being around them or not talk to them? I have someone who used to be my friend but she hurt me really bad. I couldn’t think about her without feeling bitterness and anger. But I started praying to God to help me to forgive and gradually the burden was lifted off me. Now when I think about her, I pray for her. I still don’t want to have anything to do with her, though in me heart I know I’ve forgiven her.
I needed to hear this word today. God always show up on time, I will forgive because I know it’s the right thing to do. Thank you Jesus In Jesus Name Amen.
Lord help me to do what is right in your sights. Hallelujah
Amen! It’s hard but by God’s grace and mercy I must forgive as the Father has forgiven me.
My Sister Hilda, you have forgiven your friend and have released her to God. You don’t have to be in relationship with her. You can move on with your life. Just keep praying for her salvation and trust God that he will save her.
so hard but so true. it is so hard for me to watch the people that I love suffer because they are not willing to let go and let God by forgiving. this does not mean that you have to become super best of friends but it does mean that you let go of the hurt and pain and that you turn it all over to God. that even though you may not now have a close intimate relationship with that person but it does mean that you are able to pray for them and let God deal with the situation. the Letting Go letting God forgiving and moving forward is for your benefit it doesn’t release the personin the aspect that it says they’re wrong was okay. But it doesrelease them to God and letting God deal with them in his place his time and his judgment for it is not for us to judge it is not for us to punish only to forget God has forgiven us and we are to forgive others. PS thank you so much for adding the disclaimer. forgiving those that treat you unfairly that abused you and use you is a very hard thing to do. But as I stated this forgiveness too and this ability to let go of the anger and hurt that it causes you within it’s hard. but offering that forgiveness does not mean that you stay with in a relationship or in contact with someone that is abusing you. it simply means you turn it over to God and pray for them God can only change them if they allow him to I mean he could but he wants that is our free will to make the choice. however it is very important and I do believe that it is not acceptable for you to remove yourself from that abusive situation before it gets worse and it will especially if the person doing them using whether it be physical mental emotionalit will only get worse with time if that person does not fully surrender to God but I’m willing to accept face apologize in true repentance for their wrongdoings. good day and God bless
This is very confusing for me. Sometimes I feel like I can forgive someone fully but I cannot allow them in my life because they continue their hurtful actions. When it comes to being abused in any way, I think we can forgive and choose to separate ourselves to keep from being hurt repeatedly.
Thoughts?