“As I walked out the door toward the gate that would lead to my freedom, I knew if I didn’t leave my bitterness and hatred behind, I’d still be in prison.” –Nelson Mandela

Prayer

Liberating God,

You call us to embody some radical virtues, perhaps none more radical than forgiveness. As you have shown us, forgiveness means more than simply ignoring or overlooking the harms we have suffered. It means surrendering our rightful claims of justice to you, so you can transform our wounds into freedom. So challenging! For our own sake today, give us the strength to forgive those who have wronged us, that we may be freed of bitterness and hatred and filled with your transforming love. Amen.

Call to Action

Who am I struggling to forgive? Devote my heart to leave bitterness behind me and to seek a path of authentic forgiveness. Take a concrete step in that direction today.