DAILY DEVOT IONAL 19
Jisun Yang
43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous. - Matthew 5:42-45
“FROM SURVIVAL TO HEALING--THE JOURNEY OF FORGIVENESS”
A couple of weeks ago, our staff team had the opportunity to receive CPR/AED training from one of our church families, who run a health education company. After witnessing a church member suffer a heart attack several months ago, we were eager and motivated to learn about how we could help others in unexpected emergencies. Though the class lasted three hours, it didn’t feel that long – it was engaging, with hands-on activities, instructional videos, CPR/AED practice with manikins, and a Q&A session. We learned many things, but my biggest takeaway was this: the primary purpose of CPR is to increase the likelihood of survival by providing oxygen to the brain when the heart stops beating. CPR doesn’t heal victims, but it can be the first step in their healing journey, giving them a chance to receive advanced care to continue on the path to recovery.
Life is full of twists and turns. Divisiveness in our community and country raises collective anxiety. The grief of losing loved ones or missed opportunities cuts deep. When we’re hurt or harmed, our human response is to seek payback – to hit back when struck, to retort when insulted. It is easy to react out of anger, resentment, and bitterness, but these emotions consume us, holding us back. Like a downward spiral, they pull us deeper into hurt, harm, and loss. Only forgiveness frees us, and the journey begins with our choice.
Just as CPR sustains life, our willingness to begin the journey of forgiveness creates space for healing. Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt. Instead, it starts with acknowledging the pain and sharing the story in a safe place where we can listen to one another with open hearts and minds and without judgment. Forgiveness is not weakness—it is a bold act of faith that disrupts cycles of pain and allows us to move forward, creating room for God to work—for restoration, peace, and renewal.
Jesus calls us to respond differently than our natural instincts would lead us. In Matthew 5:44, He says, “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Forgiveness keeps the heart open, prevents bitterness from taking over, and invites the Holy Spirit to do what only God can - bring true healing to our lives and communities.
Who in your life needs a breath of grace today? Where is God calling you to step away from retaliation and toward a posture of forgiveness? May we trust that healing begins with grace and be people who extend it freely, just as we have received it from Christ.
PRAYER:
Gracious and merciful God, Thank You for the gift of forgiveness and the healing You bring into our lives. When we are hurt, help us not to be consumed by anger or resentment. Instead, teach us to extend grace, give us the courage to seek peace, and trust in Your justice. May Your love be the oxygen that revives our weary hearts and enables true healing to begin today. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
REFLECTION:
What would it look like to surrender your pain over to God and invite Him into your healing process?