Forgiveness isn’t easy. In our nightly prayer and devotional, Clarence Haynes Jr. recounts how his struggle to forgive lasted over two decades. He knew all the right verses, even encouraged others to forgive, but inside he wrestled with bitterness toward one person who had wounded him deeply.

What he learned—and what Scripture makes clear—is that forgiveness is not a suggestion but a command. And it’s not rooted in the offender’s apology or worthiness, but in the fact that God forgave us first.

Unforgiveness feels powerful, but in reality, it imprisons us. The longer we cling to it, the more bitter and bound we become. True freedom begins when we release our right to hold on to the offense and entrust the outcome to God. Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing sin or pretending nothing happened. It means letting go and allowing the Lord to heal us.

The real question is not can you forgive, but do you want to? Even a hesitant “yes” is enough for God to begin His work in your heart.

📖 Tonight’s Scripture: Colossians 3:13

"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
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🙏 Your Nightly Prayer

Lord,
I confess that I have resisted forgiveness. I’ve made excuses and told myself I couldn’t forgive, when the truth is, I didn’t want to. Tonight, I surrender that hardness to You. Your Word commands me to forgive, and I long to walk in obedience. Change my heart. Give me the strength to release this hurt and let You handle the outcome. Help me walk in the same grace You’ve given me.
In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

🧘 Three Things to Meditate Upon

1. Forgiveness begins not with ability, but with desire. Are you willing to take that first step?

2. The unforgiveness you hold often reveals more about your own heart than about the other person’s actions.

3. Forgiveness is the path to freedom—freeing you from the weight of your past hurts.

📣 Calls to Action

• ✍️ Write down the name of the person you’re struggling to forgive and bring it before God in prayer tonight.

• 🙌 Subscribe here to receive Your Nightly Prayer directly in your inbox.

• 💌 Share this prayer with someone else who may be struggling to forgive and needs encouragement.

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