Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

— Ephesians 4:32

Nelson Mandela courageously fought against apartheid in South Africa. His actions led to wrongful convictions and time in prison because of political enemies. As he was leaving prison, he was quoted as saying, “As I stand at the door of my freedom, I realize that if I don't leave my pain, anger, and bitterness behind, I will always be in prison.”

Self-imprisonment is worse than the imprisonment that is imposed on you. Many people suffer from self-imposed prisons by refusing to forgive. But the inner walls of anger and resentment do not make us strong; instead, they make us bitter and miserable.

When Nelson Mandela later came to power as the president of his country, he did not establish the law of the victor. Rather than seeking revenge against his political enemies, he showed forgiveness to all. The film Invictus, inspired by his actions, shows the power of forgiveness.

Jesus teaches us to love our enemies, and he even died for his enemies—that is, all of us. Christ's compassion for us is incomprehensible; he showed it by forgiving us all and dying for us. This love also moves us to forgive others for their faults against us. The Lord can help us to forgive everything.

Are you aware of your daily need for God’s forgiveness? Why do you think it’s difficult to forgive others? To whom is God calling you to offer forgiveness today?

Father, thank you for the forgiveness you offer us in Christ Jesus. Help us to be gracious, forgiving, and compassionate for Jesus’ sake. Amen.