Forgiveness That Doesn't Require a Perfect Feeling

You don't have to feel like you've forgiven someone to decide to forgive them.

That may be the most freeing news you'll receive today. Forgiveness doesn't start with a feeling — it starts with a decision. The feeling comes later, sometimes slowly, sometimes in waves, sometimes in a way you don't even notice.

God didn't ask you to wait for the day you'll feel like you've forgiven from the heart. He asked you to choose to forgive — and leave the heart to Him.

"Forbearing one another" — that phrase is a reminder that life together is hard. That there will always be some reason for complaint. That living alongside others is never friction-free. And in the middle of that, the choice to forgive is what holds the bond together.

You may be carrying something that needs forgiving — and feeling like you can't. Today doesn't have to be the day everything gets resolved. It can simply be the day you decide you want to.

"Lord, I choose to forgive. I don't feel it yet, but I choose it."

That is the beginning God honors.