“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” – Colossians 3:13, NIV
Carrie gave a sigh of relief when the doctor announced her toddler was fully recovered. A serious illness earlier in the year had made Carrie worry that her little one would need a series of surgeries. As she left the hospital with her daughter clutched in her arms, Carrie couldn’t help but smile.
When she stepped outside, she saw Shannon sitting on a bench, quietly crying. Carrie recognized the distraught mom from the local preschool. The other woman had always been mean to her and frequently gossiped about others.
“She’s not a nice person,” Carrie muttered under her breath as she headed to her car. She buckled her daughter into the backseat and was just about to leave the parking lot when she felt God nudge her heart.
Carrie sighed, “Father, I don’t like this woman, but You love her. So please fill me with grace toward her.”
When Carrie went back to the entrance, she sat down beside Shannon. She listened as Shannon shared about her husband’s heart attack. Then Carrie offered to pray for Shannon and her children.
Prayer:
Lord, sometimes, it’s hard to extend grace to people who have hurt me. When I’m clinging to anger and resentment, remind me again of how much You love this person. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
