Daily Devotion

“In the practice of forgiveness, we will find that the Holy Spirit often changes not the person who offends us, but first our own hearts.”

Richard Foster · Celebration of Discipline

Scripture

Ephesians 4:31–32 Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, disturbance, slander and every form of malice from among you. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God forgave you in Christ.

Reflection

Today's quote reminds me that in the practice of forgiveness, the Holy Spirit first changes my own heart, not the one who offends me. Ephesians 4:31–32 also teaches me to first remove bitterness, resentment, and malice from my own heart before responding to others with kindness and mercy. True forgiveness is not about waiting for the other person to confess, repent, or change for the better, but about allowing the Holy Spirit to work within me, making me willing to forgive others as Christ forgave me. Forgiveness is a testament to my spiritual maturity and an essential path to walking with God.