
The Gift of Forgiveness
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)
Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.—JAMES 1:12 NIV
A weary wife cared for her chronically ill husband, many years her senior. She struggled each day with the physical
aspects of his care—getting him in and out of a wheelchair, bathing him, cooking special meals, driving him to the doctor’s office. By each day’s end, exhaustion—physical and emotional—threatened to rob her of her peace of mind. She could hardly imagine how she might get through the next day. Or the next. She was simply worn out.
Can you relate to this woman’s story? Have you ever reached the point where you feel you can’t face one more day of caregiving? The Lord reminds you today that you are blessed when you persevere under trial. There’s a crown of life awaiting you.
So stand the test! Even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard. Don’t give up. God will give you the wherewithal to get through tomorrow. But remember, He’s far more focused on the condition of your heart today.
Dear Lord, I’m so tired! I don’t feel like persevering. Today, I ask for Your strength and Your perspective. Father, help me to keep on keeping on, even when it seems impossible.

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)

For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways.—Psalm 91:11 (NIV)

But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.—Romans 5:8 (NIV)