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Key Bible Verse: You must make allowance for each other's faults and forgive the person who offends you (Colossians 3:13). Bonus Reading: 2 Corinthains 7:8–10

Having a difficult time forgiving someone? You may need to do what my wife, Corlette, did. While we were attending a conference in Colorado, I carelessly criticized her in front of several other people. When we were alone a few minutes later, she let me know that she was upset about what I'd said. I hurriedly said, "I'm sorry; that was wrong of me. Will you forgive me?" She said she did.

But a few hours later, Corlette returned to the subject. "I'm having a hard time forgiving you," she said. "Could we talk about this some more?" When I agreed, she told me she didn't believe I realized how deeply I'd hurt her, and explained why my remarks had been so embarrassing and painful for her. She was absolutely right; I hadn't understood the effect my words had on her.

By helping me see where my confession had been deficient, and encouraging me to take repentance more seriously, Corlette did me a service. So I apologized specifically and sincerely for the effect of my sin, and commited to be more sensitive toward her in the future. Once I repented and confessed properly, Corlette found it much easier to forgive me.

—Ken Sande in The Peacemaker

My Response: I may need to clear the air about …

Thought to Apply: When a deep injury is done us, we never recover until we forgive.
–Alan Paton (South African author, 20th century)

Adapted from: The Peacemaker (Baker, 1991, 1997)

Prayer for the Week

Dear Father, thank You for revealing Yourself to me. Now help me to constructively express myself to those I love.

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