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

“If you give a hundred dollars, you will get a hundredfold return. God wants you and every believer to be rich!” The preacher pointed his finger then wiped his forehead.

Years ago, my husband and I met at a church that had false teaching. We didn’t know it when we joined, but God used some resources to help us recognize the errors. I felt duped and tricked. I had to start my relationship with God all over again. Some leaders had said and done things to control us which I felt were unforgivable. Of course, God convicted me to forgive them. His word tells us to forgive anyone who offends us. It was easier said than done.

The devil doesn’t want us to forgive. He wants us to hold on to resentment until it congeals into bitterness. And bitterness hurts us more than it hurts the offender. Don’t let the enemy get a foothold into your heart.

God’s word says we must forgive others, and links it with remembering how much God has forgiven us. We can’t do it in our own strength, but only by faith through the power of the Holy Spirit.

When you forgive, you are not saying what the offender did was all right. You are letting them off your hook. You are releasing them from your vengeance. God, the perfectly righteous and just judge, is the one who will take vengeance and repay.

Lord God, help me to make allowance for other’s faults. Help me to forgive all who offend me. Thank you for forgiving me. Help me to obey you and forgive others.

Throughout this day: Ask God to help you to be willing to forgive. Ask him to help you forgive each time the negative feelings toward someone come up. Ask God to give you a heart of compassion for them. Pray for them.

Originally published November 5, 2025 on TheLife.com. https://thelife.com/devotionals/let-them-off-your-hook

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