Daily Devo

Walking With a Weighted Blanket

By: Wendy Sanders

Wednesday, April 2, 2025

Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. Ephesians 4:32

We have all probably had someone assume something about us or tell a lie about us. It hurts when our integrity is questioned. Our human nature tells us to take a stand, defend ourselves, and seek justice. However, God says that instead of seeking retaliation, we must forgive and leave the rest to Him. It's so hard to do, but when we obey, we find freedom!

Being kind, tenderhearted, and forgiving is hard to do when we've been terribly wronged by someone. God not only sees the outward that happened, He sees the inward motives. We may never know the "why" behind someone's actions, but we must still choose to forgive them, regardless of their motives. But that kind of forgiveness can only be done with God’s strength. The Holy Spirit will empower our forgiveness so we can demonstrate the outpouring of God's love toward others.

Since God chose you to be the holy people he loves, you must clothe yourselves with tenderhearted mercy, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience. Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Colossians 3:12–13 (NLT)

Forgiveness isn’t in our nature, nor is it easy to admit our faults. In a way, unforgiveness is like walking around all day with a weighted blanket. It’s heavy and cumbersome, and it will negatively affect how we walk. When we forgive, we are taking off that weighted blanket and clothing ourselves with God's mercy, kindness, humility, and patience.

Are you carrying the burden of past hurts and unforgiveness? If you are, give it to God and ask Him to remove it. I pray we would all have the courage today give up our "weighted blankets" and walk in the freedom God offers.

Christ follower, choose to forgive, and leave the rest to God!