Audio Version
- Colossians 3:13 – “Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.”
Forgiveness can feel like a hard pill to swallow, especially when you have been hurt deeply by the ones you love. But our opening scripture calls our attention to something greater; God’s forgiveness toward us sets the standard. He did not wait for us to apologize or plead to be forgiven, He forgave freely. And that is the kind of grace He wants us to extend to others.
The truth is, carrying unforgiveness only weighs you down and keeps your heart from experiencing true freedom. Letting go of the offense is choosing to break the power it has over your emotions. You are saying, “I will not allow this to poison my joy or my future.” The cost of unforgiveness is simply too high. But when you release others, you experience release too. You become lighter, freer, and more like Christ.
So today, make the choice to forgive. Say it in your heart and with your mouth: “I forgive, just as Christ forgave me. I will not hold on to bitterness. I walk in freedom.” As you do, healing will flow, peace will grow, and your heart will reflect God’s love to all around you. Hallelujah!
STARTUP PRAYER
Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank You for the grace to forgive. Help me to forgive as you have forgiven me, that any burden of bitterness and anger over my life be broken.
PRAYER FOR A NATION
CYPRUS
Cyprus has struggled to achieve stability since gaining independence from Britain in 1960. A 1974 Turkish invasion and occupation of the north has divided the island, creating 230,000 refugees. The island remains divided, with the Republic of Cyprus and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus having separate governments. Negotiations for reunification have been ongoing since 2008, but progress is slow. Cyprus is struggling with severe economic challenges, with heavy exposure to bad foreign debt and a declining tourism industry. The country also struggles with negative prejudices against Evangelical and Protestant churches.
PRAYER FOR THE NATION
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that You guide the negotiations for reunification, that progress may be made toward a unified Cyprus.
PRAYER FOR THE LEADERS
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that You grant the leaders of Cyprus wisdom that they may implement ideas that will bring stability and peace in the land.
PRAYER FOR ISRAEL
Father, in the name of Jesus. We ask that You open the eyes of the Jews in Israel, that they may recognize Jesus as their Messiah and Saviour.
PRAYER FOR UNITY IN THE CHURCH
Father, in the name of Jesus, we destroy every root of division, pride, and offense among believers all around the world. Fill our hearts with Love, humility and forgiveness.
PRAYER FOR SOULS / REVIVAL
Father, in the name of Jesus, we ask that You fill the hearts of believers with a burden for the lost, that salvation may come to the unsaved in our cities and villages.
STAY ON TRACK WITH GOD’S WORD! HERE ARE TODAY’S CHAPTERS FOR YOUR BIBLE STUDY:
● 2 Samuel 12 & 13
● Psalm 140
● 1 Corinthians 7
