Forgiving and Rebuilding Trust

Scripture 

• “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” — Ephesians 4:32

• “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.” — 1 Peter 4:8

It's Friday Early Devotion

As a believer, forgiveness is a vital part of our spiritual growth. When we forgive others, we open our hearts to receive God’s forgiveness and healing. Holding onto grudges or bitterness only hinders us, while letting go and choosing to forgive brings peace and wholeness.

As we reflect on forgiveness today, let’s understand that it is both a gift we give and a healing we receive from God.

Forgiveness is also one of the most powerful acts of love we can offer. It doesn’t mean forgetting the hurt or pretending it never happened. Instead, forgiveness is a choice to release bitterness and entrust justice to God.

Trust, however, is different. Forgiveness can be immediate, but trust is rebuilt slowly, like laying one brick at a time. Just as Nehemiah rebuilt the walls of Jerusalem with patience and perseverance, relationships require steady effort to restore what was broken.

When we forgive, we mirror Christ’s mercy. When we rebuild trust, we reflect His faithfulness. Both are essential for healing and growth.

Practical Steps

• 🙏 Pray first: Ask God to soften your heart and give you strength to forgive.

• 💬 Communicate honestly: Share your feelings with humility and listen without defensiveness.

• 🕊️ Set boundaries: Healthy limits protect both people as trust is restored.

• ⏳ Be patient: Trust grows through consistent actions over time, not quick fixes.

• 🌱 Celebrate progress: Acknowledge small steps toward healing and thank God for them.

Prayer

Lord, thank You for forgiving us fully through Christ. Teach us to extend that same grace to others. Help us release bitterness and walk in love. Give us wisdom and patience to rebuild trust where it has been broken. May our relationships reflect Your mercy and faithfulness. Amen.

Forgiven and forgiving,

Pastor Ken

Healing Reflection

Forgiveness is the seed; trust is the fruit. Plant the seed today, water it with prayer and patience, and watch God bring new life to your relationship.

Seven more thoughts on restoring relationships through Forgiveness & Trust

1 – God’s Forgiving us is Our Foundation

• Scripture: “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” – 1 John 1:9

• Reflection: Forgiveness begins with God. His mercy is not earned but freely given. When we acknowledge our sins, He restores us. Trust grows when we believe His promises are true.

• Prayer: Lord, thank You for forgiving me fully and freely. Help me trust Your mercy and walk in freedom.

2 – Forgiving Others as Christ Forgave Us

• Scripture: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

• Reflection: Forgiveness is not optional—it’s a reflection of Christ’s love. Trusting God means releasing bitterness and allowing Him to heal wounds.

• Prayer: Father, soften my heart toward those who have hurt me. Teach me to forgive as You forgive.

3 – Always Trusting God’s Timing

• Scripture: “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding.” – Proverbs 3:5

• Reflection: Forgiveness often feels slow, but God’s timing is perfect. Trust means surrendering control and believing He is working even when we don’t see it.

• Prayer: Lord, I surrender my timeline to You. Help me trust Your wisdom and rest in Your plan.

4 – Healing Through Forgiveness

• Scripture: “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” – Psalm 147:3

• Reflection: Forgiveness is not forgetting—it’s choosing healing over hurt. Trusting God allows Him to mend what is broken and bring peace where there was pain.

• Prayer: Great Healer, mend my heart where it has been wounded. Teach me to trust You with my scars.

5 – Trusting God in Betrayal

• Scripture: “Even my close friend in whom I trusted, who ate my bread, has lifted his heel against me.” – Psalm 41:9

• Reflection: Betrayal cuts deeply, but Jesus Himself experienced it. Trusting God means believing He can redeem even the deepest pain. Forgiveness frees us from chains of resentment.

• Prayer: Lord Jesus, You know the pain of betrayal. Strengthen me to forgive and trust You with my heart.

6 – Forgiving brings Freedom

• Scripture: “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36

• Reflection: Forgiveness is liberation. Trusting Christ means living free from guilt and bitterness. Freedom is not just release—it’s empowerment to live joyfully.

• Prayer: Thank You, Jesus, for setting me free. Help me walk in the joy of forgiveness and trust.

7 – Trusting God for the Future

• Scripture: “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope.” – Jeremiah 29:11

• Reflection: Forgiveness clears the past; trust secures the future. God’s plans are good, and His promises are sure. We can step forward with hope.

• Prayer: Father, I trust Your plans for me. Help me live with hope, forgiveness, and confidence in Your love.

What if you don't want to be restored?

Then ask God to change your heart.

​​Quotes:

*Don’t be like the man who had great ideals, great intentions. He was going to be all that a mortal should be tomorrow.

*Forgiveness says you are given another chance to make a new beginning.

*Forgiveness is the final form of love.

*The practice of forgiveness is the most important contribution to the healing of the world.

This week: 

Wed. Prayer Meeting at 7 PM.

Fri. Prayer for the Nation at 7 PM.

Sat. Men's Breakfast and Bible at 7 AM.

Sun. Sunday School at 9 AM.

    Worship at 10 AM  (Message: Christmas Cast of Characters: The Angles)

If you can't be there in person, be sure to catch us on Facebook.

FAITH FELLOWSHIP, OUR FOREVER FAMILY, Luck, WI

Ken Mettler, Pastor (715) 475-7666