Read: Romans 12:17-21; Colossians 3:12-14

Alaina ran all the way home from the park and came into the kitchen out of breath. She poured a huge glass of cold water and gulped it down. A few minutes later, her sister walked in.

“Why didn’t you wait for me?” Hailey asked.

Alaina shrugged. “I saw you talking with Blake, so I decided to go for a run.”

Hailey sighed. “Are you still mad at him for what he did last month?”

“He tripped me on purpose and made me get a big scratch on my face on picture day!” Alaina exclaimed.

“But he apologized,” Hailey reminded her. “He’s having a birthday party at his house this weekend and told me to invite you.”

“I’m not going!” Alaina said firmly. “Not after what he did.”

Dad walked into the kitchen and poured himself a glass of water. “Not going where?” he asked.

“To Blake’s birthday party,” said Hailey. “Alaina’s still mad at him for tripping her over a month ago.”

Just then a fly landed on the rim of Dad’s glass. “Ew!” said Dad. He poured the rest of the water in the sink. “I’ll teach that fly to try swimming in my water. I’m never drinking water again!”

Alaina stared at her dad, puzzled. “Dad, it’s just a little fly! And besides, you have to drink water—your body can’t survive without it.”

“So giving up water would hurt me more than the fly?” Dad asked.

“Well, it sounds to me like you’re trying to get back at Blake for what he did to you, but you’re just going to end up hurting yourself a lot more,” said Dad. “That’s what happens when we hold on to bitterness and anger—we hurt ourselves more than anyone else. I know that what Blake did was wrong, but he said he was sorry. Jesus tells us to forgive others because He forgave us, and He promises to help us do that.” Dad grinned. “Besides, you don’t really want to be stuck at home with me while your sister and friends are having fun at Blake’s party, do you?”

Alaina sighed. “Okay, Dad. Maybe it’s time I finally forgive him.”

–Melissa Yeagle

How about you? Are you trying to get back at someone by refusing to forgive them? It’s normal to feel angry when someone hurts you, and sometimes forgiveness takes time. But don’t hold on to feelings that hurt both you and others. If you trust in Jesus, He’s forgiven you for all the wrong things you’ve done, and He wants you to forgive others. Trust Him to help you let go of your bitter, angry feelings and forgive.

Today's Key Verse: Don’t be angry with each other, but forgive each other…Forgive others because the Lord forgave you. Colossians 3:13 (ERV)

Today's Key Thought: Let go of bitterness and forgive