Opening Verse
“He that loveth not knoweth not God; for God is love.” – 1 John 4:8 (KJV)
Introduction
Hatred fills the heart with darkness, leaving no room for the light of Christ to dwell. When we hold on to resentment or anger against others, it creates a barrier that blocks our ability to experience the fullness of God’s love.
Devotional Story
A man named Andrew struggled with deep resentment toward his brother. Years of misunderstandings and harsh words had created a gulf between them. Andrew attended church faithfully, but he felt disconnected during worship. He prayed, but his prayers felt hollow, as if they were hitting a wall.
One Sunday, the pastor preached on forgiveness, quoting Jesus’ words from Matthew 6:14-15:
“For if ye forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you: But if ye forgive not men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”
Convicted, Andrew realized his anger was keeping him from fully experiencing God’s grace.
Taking a step of faith, Andrew reached out to his brother. Their conversation was emotional, but it ended with mutual forgiveness. For the first time in years, Andrew felt peace. He knew he had made room in his heart for Jesus to fill.
What This Means
Hatred and unforgiveness crowd our hearts, leaving no space for Jesus to work. God calls us to forgive, not only for the sake of others but for our own spiritual freedom. When we let go of hate, we invite the Holy Spirit to take control and fill us with God’s love.
Think About This
- Are you holding on to resentment against someone? What is it costing you spiritually?
- How can you surrender your hurt to Jesus today and allow His love to heal your heart?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, help me to let go of hate and resentment. Fill my heart with Your love and teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Verse
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.” – Ephesians 4:31-32 (KJV)