The Upper Room 23 December 2021 Daily Devotional | Thursday Message
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Making Space
Bob LaForge (New Jersey, USA)
TODAY’S READING
Ephesians 4:25-32
KEY VERSE: Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ has forgiven you. – Ephesians 4:32 (NRSV)
The Upper Room 23 December 2021 Daily Devotional Message
Our kitchen sink was not draining. We tried several clog removers, but nothing seemed to work. With no other option, I got out my tools and took apart the pipes. It was simultaneously amazing and disgusting. After I physically pulled smelly debris from the blocked pipes, water once again flowed freely.
Forgiveness is a lot like that process of breaking down and cleaning those pipes. Bitterness, anger, and resentment clog up our lives. Often, we just want to ignore the problem or find an easy fix. While those may seem to work for a bit, eventually the pain and rancor build up once again.
True forgiveness takes effort. It requires us to take out our tools and remove the debris that builds up in our hearts and makes it difficult to have compassion for others. We can do this only because God has forgiven us first. Once we offer that grace to others and release them completely from their debt, our own lives can open back up.
Forgiveness makes space in our lives for the good things — God’s grace, love, and kindness — to flow freely. When that happens, it is better for us and better for everyone around us.
TODAY’S PRAYER
Dear God, give us the desire and power to forgive others. Clear our lives of resentment and anger so we can forgive and make space for love. Amen.
THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Forgiving is hard, but God’s grace makes it possible.
PRAYER FOCUS
Those harboring resentment
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