🌿 Forgiveness Is a Crown You Wear

A Nine Crowns of Grace Devotional

📖 Opening Scripture

“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” —Colossians 3:13 (NIV)

💭 Gentle Reflection

As I sit here writing this devotional, I realize I’ve misunderstood what forgiveness truly means. I was under the influence of clichés and shallow interpretations, not fully grasping the Word of God. Somewhere along the way, we picked up the idea that forgiveness is solely for our benefit—to help us move on. But oh, how wrong that is.

This kind of thinking distances us from God’s deeper purpose for our lives: to bear fruit.

Let’s look at the verse that precedes Colossians 3:13—verse 12:

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience.”

Forgiveness requires self-sacrifice. The world tells us to be satisfied with a simple “I’m sorry” or to forgive quietly behind closed doors. But Scripture calls us to action—to deny the flesh and walk as God’s chosen people.

We have a sacred obligation to show the world what true forgiveness looks like. Does it take practice? Absolutely. Is it easy? Not at all. But that doesn’t mean we stop pressing toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Philippians 3:14).

And how we forgive matters.

Yesterday, my husband and I had an argument over something so trivial I can’t even remember what it was. But I do remember how angry I felt and how badly I wanted to be heard. He left, and I went about my day. Later, in my prayer room, the Holy Spirit convicted me. I was wrong—and I needed to apologize.

I tried to plead my case, but each time, the Lord reminded me of how many times He had forgiven me for the same offense. See, the Lord may forget our sins, but He doesn’t let us forget the lesson. It’s our responsibility to forgive others their trespasses—because we’ve certainly trespassed against someone else.

I apologized to my husband, and he returned the same apology. I had to clothe myself in humility, gentleness, and patience—if for no other reason than because the Lord has done it for me.

Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it is necessary. Think of a time you needed to ask for forgiveness. Now think of a time you needed to forgive.

👑 Crown Insight

Crown of Humility

“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.” —Ephesians 4:2

🙏 Bright Soul Prayer

Dear Heavenly Father, Our Bright Souls seek Your help and guidance to be humble enough to forgive. Teach us that forgiveness is a gift for everyone—not just ourselves. Give us understanding, wisdom, and a light heart to receive Your guidance. Forgive our unforgiveness, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📓 Bright Soul Journal Reflection

What areas in your life do you need to ask God to forgive you?
Now, practice forgiveness toward someone in your life.
List their name.
State what you are forgiving them for.
Is it possible to reach out to them?
If yes, approach with patience, humility, love, and kindness—and let them know you forgive them or ask for forgiveness.
If not, pray to the Lord about how you can go beyond words and walk in forgiveness.

✨ More for the Bright Soul

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