Colossians 3:13-14

Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.14 And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity. - Colossians 3:13-14

Dear Jesus,

Too often I don't know what to do with hurts that people cause me.  So, I try to understand them, defend myself, seek justice and get even.  None of those tactics work to give me peace.  You tell me what to do with the hurts. Stuff them in a sack and leave them at the foot of the cross where you forgave them.  You tell me to forgive.  It sounds too simple but I know it's true.  I just need to forgive.  With your forgiveness I can let go of my anger and need for vindication.  Knowing you paid the price for their sin, gives me freedom to let them go without making them pay.  I forgive them.  Now, give me the wisdom and strength to forget about what they did, so I live in the peace of grace.  

Amen

Pastor Don Patterson

Forgiveness lifts burdens for both victim and perpetrator.