Love & Forgiveness Amidst Family Challenges

Thanksgiving Devotional: Love and Forgiveness Amidst Family Challenges

Good morning Ekklesia

“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others.” - Colossians 3:13 (NLT)

This Thanksgiving, as we gather around tables filled with food and hearts filled with gratitude, let’s be honest: not all families are perfect. Over the years, drama, misunderstandings, and even deep wounds may have caused division among us. But today, the Lord is inviting us into a greater expression of His love—through forgiveness.

Forgiveness isn’t easy. It’s humbling to ask for it when we’ve caused harm, and it’s challenging to offer it when no apology has come. But forgiveness is at the heart of God’s love for us. Through Jesus, He extended forgiveness before we ever asked for it (Romans 5:8). He bore our sins on the cross, opening the door for reconciliation with Him and with one another.

Colossians 3:13 reminds us to "make allowance for each other’s faults." This doesn’t mean we ignore sin or pain—it means we recognize that no one is perfect, ourselves included. The Greek word for "forgive" here, charizomai, carries the sense of freely giving grace. Just as Jesus freely gave His grace to us, we are called to reflect that grace to others, even when it’s hard.

What does this look like practically?

1. Asking for Forgiveness: Reflect on moments where you may have contributed to division. A simple, heartfelt “I was wrong; will you forgive me?” can begin healing in ways you never imagined.

2. Offering Forgiveness: Even if the apology never comes, choosing to forgive releases you from bitterness. This doesn’t mean condoning wrongs, but it means entrusting the situation to God, who is the perfect Judge.

3. Praying for Restoration: God’s heart is for reconciliation. As we forgive, let’s also pray for His Spirit to heal the wounds in our families and bring us closer together.

Heavenly Father, thank You for Your love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. I surrender the pain and burdens of my family to You. Help me to forgive where it’s hard and to seek forgiveness where I’ve been wrong. Holy Spirit, soften hearts and restore broken relationships this Thanksgiving. Bind us together with Your love and peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Beloved, forgiveness is the key to freedom and healing, not just in your relationships but in your own soul. This Thanksgiving, let’s choose to love as Christ loved us. If you’re struggling, you don’t have to do it alone—God’s grace is sufficient for you.

At Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries, we’re here to walk alongside you as you grow in your faith and learn to live in the fullness of Christ’s love. Join us this Sunday at noon, and let’s journey together as disciples of Jesus. Visit us at ekklesiachristianlife.org to learn more.

LoveUmorethanUknow

Pastor Stephän Kirby

Ekklesia Christian Life Ministries