“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”  Ephesians 4:32 (NLT)

CHALLENGE

Pray to forgive and not recall the deed so often.

PREPARATION

  • Praise God for who He is
  • Confess your sinfulness and need for cleansing
  • Allow His Spirit to draw you near
  • Listen as He speaks to you

REQUESTS

  • Pray to make wiser choices.
  • Listen to the inner voice (is it intuition, or God’s voice?).

THANKSGIVING

  • Thank God for hearing you.
  • Trust that God is at work to accomplish His will.

OPTIONAL READINGS

  • Proverbs 3:3
  • Proverbs 11:17

QUOTATION

“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. ” – Leo Buscaglia

LIFE STORY

Twice in my life I experienced kindness from fellow Christians.  In August 1984 my daughter was in a serious car accident in Winnipeg.  Her best friend was killed and I didn’t know what to expect when I got to the hospital!  A friend and his mother were at the hospital when I arrived.  I had never met them before.  The mother offered me a place to stay!  I was so grateful for her hospitality and caring.  When I went to a drug store across from the hospital the next day, there on the counter were Daily Breads.  I had my Bible with me in Winnipeg and felt God was looking out for me with the daily reading.

The other kindness and tenderhearted act was being offered a place to stay with my Pastor and his family.  I needed to leave my home because of spousal abuse.  They were most kind and helpful without taking sides.  I believe there are two sides to each story:  yours, mine and the truth.  There are times I have trouble understanding how God can and does forgive me!  I can forgive! I don’t forget.

Contributed by:  Marion Byron