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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Remember Jesus loves you a lot. He can enable you to love and serve him forever.

Be Generous to the Poor

You will be paid back by God

Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.- Prov 19:17 ESV

“Hey Mom! Look at this!” My son’s eyes were bright.

The cavernous room was filled with excitement and lots of new toys to be packed. My family joined with children and adults to fill boxes with Christmas gifts for local less fortunate children. Later we helped distribute them to families in an apartment complex.

You might not start a soup kitchen, but you can serve at one. You might not be setting people free from human trafficking, but you can donate money toward an organization that does.

We can’t do everything, but we can do something. We are small parts of the body of Christ but when we work together, we can accomplish great things for God. One of my favorite short prayers is “I can’t, but God, you in me can.”

Dear Lord, thank you for providing me with more than enough. Please help me to be generous to the poor today. Thank you for rewarding me in heaven.

Throughout this day: Take stock of how much you are giving to the poor. If it is some, ask God if he wants you to give or serve more. If it is nothing, ask him to direct you to the right ministries to help.

Originally published on The Life on October 25, 2025. https://thelife.com/devotionals/be-generous-to-the-poor

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When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.- Romans 12:13 (NLT)

(Listen for my naughty kitty meowing at the end!)I sat looking out the window at a snowy meadow, the evergreen trees along the edges competing with the deciduous ones to see who would be coated the most quickly by the falling snow. I looked back at the lovely white room, restful in its simplicity.

I was in my mid-twenties tunneling through university on the opposite side of the continent from my parents. A dear couple at church offered to host me for a weekend away from the city in their beautiful country home. It offered me a much needed break away from everything and I gladly accepted. Now decades later, I might not remember their names or faces, but I will never forget their generosity toward me. And I know that the Lord will never forget either.

Our verse for today reminds me of this couple. “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”

You don’t need a lovely country home to practice hospitality. You just need a heart that wants to bless and serve people. Your furniture may not match, and your cups may be chipped but people will be blessed by your welcoming presence. Our family has hosted students from around the world, and it was rewarding to hear them express that they felt like part of the family.

We are in the same family as our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let us be on the lookout as to who needs a little bit of “home” comfort.

Dear Abba, Thank you for welcoming me permanently into your family. Help me to be ready to welcome other needy siblings into my life and home.

Throughout this day: Think about people you know at church and other Christian friends. Who could use a meal or a weekend away from their stressful life? Pray about what God would have you do and step out in faith to make it happen.

Originally published October 7, 2025 https://thelife.com/devotionals/a-restful-retreat

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