Focus: The Power of Forgiveness | October 19 Mercy and Grace—Forgiveness in the Age of Grudges
Mercy and Grace—Forgiveness in the Age of Grudges
As we journey through this world watching the news,
scrolling social feeds, and even sitting with loved ones it’s hard not to
notice the cost of an unforgiving heart. Hard words, revenge, and the
relentless pursuit of “justice” for every wrong no matter how long ago have
become a defining pattern both in the public and private spheres. Today’s
headlines show leaders, celebrities, and even whole communities digging up a
decade’s worth of grievances, eager to score points in the present for pains of
the past. Does it work? All we see is more division, more stress, and less true
healing.
And yet, what plays out on the world’s stage is too often a
mirror of our own souls. How many times have we found ourselves rehashing
wounds at work, in marriages, or with those dearest to us, holding up the
ledger of old offenses to defend our present harshness? True forgiveness never
calls us to be doormats or enable abuse but neither does it make a safe home
for bitterness or relentless recall of every hurt. The Bible doesn’t mince
words. “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no
law.” (Galatians 5:22-23). The more we let mercy and grace take root, the less
room there is for grudges to grow.
This isn’t just theory it’s lived. Writing these
devotionals, co-laboring with AI, one pattern became clear: when things didn’t
go as planned, especially when the system’s answers didn’t meet my
expectations, I judged harshly only later realizing that the very study I
wanted to omit was, in truth, essential to the new research. The Harvard
Women’s Health Watch article, “Not just good for the soul,” confirms that
forgiveness is both a science and an art: “holding onto anger and resentment
can do more than tax our souls it can harm our health… Forgiveness boosts our
mental well-being by reducing anxiety and depression... forgivers enjoy better
sleep, lower blood pressure, and a freedom the world cannot manufacture.”
Holding onto anger is like “taking poison and hoping the other person dies.”
Wisdom biblical and scientific shows that mercy is not about letting someone
off the hook. It is about being free.
Bible Verses
In reflecting on the earlier morning’s exchange with AI, I
was convicted by my own words: How quick I was to judge, how reluctant to
extend mercy, and how freeing it was to simply apologize even to a machine.
Isn’t that the very heartbeat of grace? To admit, “I was wrong,” and to speak
it out not to earn points, but to let our souls remain tender and teachable.
Psychologist Craig Malkin, quoted in the Harvard article, reminds us: “A state
of forgiveness is accepting that what happened is over.” It isn’t excusing,
it’s letting go. It isn’t weakness, but a willingness to be vulnerable, to lead
with a soft heart.
Research included in the Harvard Women’s Health Watch shows
us that those who learn the habit of forgiveness processing pain honestly,
reframing stories, practicing empathy, even for a moment are physically and
emotionally better off. The act of letting go, even when it’s not reciprocated,
makes us strong for the journey ahead; it keeps our lives from being
commandeered by the past.
Mercy and grace don’t erase injustice, but they create space
for God’s healing. They create environments at church, at work, even in an
online chat with AI where humility and hope can breathe. The Father longs not
for our perfection, but for hearts humble enough to admit they don’t know
everything, and strong enough to forgive anyway.
Call to Action
Identify a recent disappointment, miscommunication, or
moment of frustration at home, at work, even in your spiritual practices. Did
it tempt you to hold a grudge, even silently? In prayer, admit your struggle.
If someone is safe and accessible (even if it’s simply in writing), apologize
for your harshness, your quick judgment, or your reluctance to show grace. Ask
God for the wisdom to set healthy boundaries, not as retaliation, but as
restoration.
Each day this week, end by reviewing your emotional
responses: Did you extend mercy where you could have escalated? Were there
moments you could have released anxiety and anger, but chose to “drink the
poison” instead? Thank God for the times you did right and confess the moments
you missed.
Three Things to Remember
- Mercy
and grace are choices powerful acts of spiritual strength, not passivity
or naïveté.
- Unforgiveness
traps both offender and offended; letting go unlocks peace, creativity,
and better health for everyone involved.
- The
way you treat disappointment, even with “imperfect” others including
yourself reveals the size of your heart, and the depth of God’s work in
you.
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