Scripture Colossians 3:13 (ESV)
“bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
OBSERVATION:
This verse is simple and difficult at the same time. Paul tells us to bear with each other and forgive as the Lord forgave us. No conditions. No “after they apologize first” or “once they prove they’ve changed.”
Here’s what gets me—kids mess up. A lot. They’re learning. They’re going to say the wrong thing, make the same mistake twice, test boundaries you just set yesterday. And as parents, we get tired. We get frustrated. We start keeping score without even realizing it.
But forgiveness shaped by the gospel doesn’t keep a running tab. It doesn’t hold grudges or bring up old stuff during new arguments. It releases the debt because Christ released ours. And let’s be honest—we needed way more forgiveness than our kids will ever need from us.
When we forgive quickly and fully, we’re showing our children what grace actually looks like. We’re teaching them that mistakes don’t define them. That relationship matters more than being right. That love doesn’t keep a record of wrongs.
Jesus forgave us while we were still sinners. Not after we cleaned up. Not after we earned it. While we were still a mess. That’s the standard. And yeah, it’s a high one. But it’s also the one that changes everything.
ACTION:
Think about the last time your child frustrated or disappointed you. Have you fully forgiven them, or are you still carrying it? Today, let it go. Release it. And if you need to, tell them you forgive them—even if they haven’t asked. Model what grace looks like.
PRAYER:
(Take some time to ask God to use this devo today)
Planting the Fruit 