Podcasts about Forgiveness

Brenda J and Karen B welcome Gini Larsen back to the show for an honest and compassionate conversation around one of the most difficult topics for abuse and trauma survivors—forgiveness. Gini holds a meaningful place in both Brenda and Karen's lives, arranging the Mending the Soul group where Brenda and Karen first met. Gini Larsen is a certified Christian counselor with over 25 years of counseling experience. She holds a master's degree from Arizona State University's College of Social Work and has extensive trauma-focused training, integrating professional clinical insight with Christian therapy and pastoral counseling. Brenda and Karen vulnerably share how hard forgiveness can be for survivors, especially when abusers remain unrepentant and emotions like anger and grief feel overwhelming. Gini offers a healthy, Christ-centered approach to forgiveness—one that does not minimize harm, but points to God for healing. She explains how forgiveness is ultimately about glorifying God and allowing Him to restore and heal the survivor's heart. This is a heartfelt and hope-filled conversation you won't want to miss. www.biblicalhopecounseling.org https://hangingontohope.org

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260109dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory. Ephesians 1:13-14 God Made the Down Payment How do you go about paying for a new house? You deposit a portion of the cost for the house up front, right? You make a down payment. However, even though you still haven’t paid in full, you already get to move into the house. You get to live in it and enjoy it. You get to make it your own. You don’t have to wait to pay the full amount to make the house your home. Of course, many years later, when you one day make the final payment on your home, there’s a special joy and satisfaction in knowing the home is completely owned by you. There’s no one else with a claim on it at all anymore. Maybe buying a house can help you understand what God is telling you here in Ephesians chapter 1. When you believe in Jesus, you’re marked with God’s seal—the Holy Spirit himself. The Holy Spirit enters your heart as God’s down payment and guarantees your full future redemption to come. Before reaching your ultimate salvation on the Last Day when you sit at your Lord’s feet in heaven, already now, by faith, the Holy Spirit dwells in your heart. That means you now get to enjoy the blessings of God: to taste his forgiveness, to have a hope that presses you forward, to know a love that has no limit. This is just the down payment that guarantees so much more. Your eternal salvation is sealed already by the Spirit dwelling in you. God guarantees a future for you. The Holy Spirit has made your heart his home, and that means you are God’s special possession today and in eternity. Prayer: Dear Holy Spirit, I thank you for making my heart your home and for guaranteeing me a future with you and the Father and the Son. That you would do this, even for a sinner like me, shouts your praise and glory to the ends of the earth. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Hey, it's Amy Newmark with your Chicken Soup for the Soul and I'm pleased to share new stories with you from Chicken Soup for the Soul: Let It Go, which is our best-selling self-help book from last summer. It's all about how you can find freedom in your own life by using the power of forgiveness. It really works, too. I've adopted it in my own life, and now I even do what I call “pre-forgiveness”, saying to myself “Well if I'm going to forgive this behavior anyway I might as well not even get mad in the first place.” Pre-forgiveness is a great way to live. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260108dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that he lavished on us. Ephesians 1:7-8 The Adoption Price is Paid Adoption isn’t cheap. Apparently, the average cost of adopting a child in the United States is roughly $40,000! You can’t choose to adopt a child on a whim. If you’re going to adopt, then you need to plan, budget, and be deeply committed. God knew the price he’d have to pay to adopt you as his own. He knew what it would take, and he paid it. He was, and still is, deeply committed to making you, his child. God’s love for you is unquestionable, and it’s also unreasonable. On top of the steep price it took to adopt us; we were problem children. We weren’t the ones you’d have an easy time adopting. We weren’t like the cutest kittens and puppies at the shelter that got all the attention. No, we were the ones that were malnourished, feral, matted, and smelly. Our sins make us repulsive when we consider just how far we fall short of God’s standards for perfection. There’s nothing in us that should have made us attractive to him. There’s no phone filter out there that could hide who we truly are. And yet when God puts on his Jesus-tinted glasses, when he sees us through the Jesus filter, he says, “Yes, this one is the one I want. I’ll take her. I’ll take him. No matter the price, I’ll pay it.” And he did. As the blood ran from Jesus’ hands and feet and head and side, the payment was made. When the words were spoken “It is finished,” the purchase price was paid in full. He forgave us. We were redeemed, in other words, bought back from the sins that claimed us. Not only did God purchase us, but he also changed us. We’re no longer the problem child or the feral pet—but pure, cleansed by our Savior, made to look like one of God’s own possessions. That payment made for you at the cross, that forgiveness won for you by Jesus, is the ultimate picture of the lavish riches of God’s grace. Prayer: Dear heavenly Father, thank you for making me your child by giving up your only Son for me. Help me reflect your lavish grace to the world. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

What does it really mean to lead with integrity when institutions fail and people disappoint? In this Ask Me Anything episode of Order of Man, Ryan Michler answers real questions from the community on leadership, anger and forgiveness, building passive income, physical fitness, accountability, and personal standards. Ryan shares hard-earned insights on responsibility, discipline, and how to operate with clarity in uncertain times. This candid AMA delivers practical guidance and mindset shifts for men committed to growth, strength, and personal ownership. SHOW HIGHLIGHTS 00:00 Ask Me Anything Kickoff 02:42 Asking Better Questions as a Leader 13:36 The Quality Ryan Is Most Proud Of 19:27 Passive Income and Multiple Streams 28:21 Faith, Truth, and Broken Institutions 33:50 Society, Maturity, and Self-Control 41:32 Baseline Physical Aptitude Test Explained 44:16 Letting Go of Anger and Forgiveness 54:52 Dealing With People Who Drop the Ball Battle Planners: Pick yours up today! Order Ryan's new book, The Masculinity Manifesto. For more information on the Iron Council brotherhood. Want maximum health, wealth, relationships, and abundance in your life? Sign up for our free course, 30 Days to Battle Ready

This week, Paul shows us that healthy relationships grow as we first entrust our hurts to God and then pursue grace-filled reconciliation with others.Join us for a weekly narration of Paul Tripp's popular devotional. You can subscribe to our email list to receive this devotional straight to your inbox each week, or read online at PaulTripp.com/Wednesday or on Facebook, Instagram, and the Paul Tripp App.If you've been enjoying the Wednesday's Word podcast, please leave us a review! Each review helps us reach more people with the transforming power of Jesus Christ.

Send us a textIn this powerful conversation, Joey Pinz sits down with author and speaker Felicity Nicole, a woman who has turned trauma into transformation and survival into strength. From witnessing violence in childhood to navigating abandonment, infidelity, and two difficult marriages, Felicity shares how she rebuilt her life piece by piece—learning to forgive, surrender, and rise again.

Forgiveness is never simple. And it's rarely quick.In this episode, John Ortberg explores a powerful, research-backed practice that helps move forgiveness from an idea into the heart. Drawing from the story of Joseph and his brothers, and the work of psychologist Everett Worthington, we're invited into a deceptively simple exercise involving two chairs.Forgiveness does not excuse harm. It does not erase boundaries. And it does not guarantee reconciliation. But it does free us from being trapped by resentment and bitterness. This teaching offers a compassionate, practical way to begin that journey, even when wounds are deep and time has passed.What if forgiveness isn't something you feel first, but something you practice?

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260107dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion For he chose us in him before the creation of the world to be holy and blameless in his sight. In love he predestined us for adoption to sonship through Jesus Christ, in accordance with his pleasure and will—to the praise of his glorious grace, which he has freely given us in the One he loves. Ephesians 1:4-6 Destined to Be His When you were a child, maybe your parents took you to the animal shelter to pick out your very first pet. You looked at all the cute kittens and puppies until you found one that stole your heart. “I want that one,” you said. And you took it home. God has done the same for his followers. He’s chosen them. He’s adopted them into the family. He’s given them a part in all that is his. He said about them, “I need to have this one. I’m going to make this one my own.” What amazing comfort to know that God did this “in accordance with his pleasure and will.” God wasn’t forced into making his followers his own. He wanted to. And maybe the most mind-boggling thing is that God has chosen and predetermined that they would be his own even before they had a thought of wanting to be his. It’s tempting to think that belonging to Christ was some kind of decision they made. But today’s Bible verses pushes that idea aside. It was God who “chose us in him before the creation of the world.” That truth may cause our brains to run in circles, but it causes our hearts to rest with comfort and confidence. That truth gives us peace to know that no part of our salvation is up to us. God carries out our deliverance from beginning to end. He has sought his people out by his Spirit, paid for them in his Son, and will take them home to live with him forever. Prayer: Almighty Lord, your grace has no beginning and no end. I praise you for loving me even before the world began. I thank you for sending Jesus into the world to purchase me. I go in peace knowing your Holy Spirit has adopted me into your family at my baptism. In Jesus' name. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this episode of Insights from the Couch, we sit down with licensed therapist, writer, and divorce support group leader Oona Metz to have one of the most honest, grounding, and hope-filled conversations we've ever had about divorce—especially at midlife. We talk about why divorce still carries so much stigma, why so many women feel isolated and ashamed, and what actually helps people heal instead of staying stuck.Together, we explore the emotional reality of divorce, why it can feel like a total identity loss, and how healing doesn't come from rushing forward—but from understanding the process. Oona shares the framework behind her new book, Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women, and helps normalize the heartbreak, chaos, growth, and transformation that so many women experience but rarely talk about out loud. Episode Highlights:[0:00] – Welcome to Insights from the Couch and why this conversation matters so much at midlife [2:30] – Introducing Oona Metz and the inspiration behind Unhitched [5:15] – Why divorce still feels shameful—even though it's so common [8:00] – Redefining “success” in marriage and letting go of outdated narratives [12:30] – The emotional tsunami of divorce and why uncertainty is so hard on the nervous system [15:30] – The five emotional phases of divorce: heartbreak, roller coaster, mending, letting go, and moving on [20:40] – Why people get stuck after divorce—and what actually helps them heal [24:30] – Letting go without pretending it was “okay” [28:00] – Forgiveness, reframed: releasing yourself, not excusing harm [33:00] – Why distraction and dating too soon can backfire [37:45] – The power of divorce support groups and not doing this alone [41:00] – What Oona hopes every woman knows about healing after divorce [43:00] – How to find Oona, her book, and free divorce resources Links and Resources:Oona Metz's website and free divorce resources: https://www.oonametz.comBook: Unhitched: The Essential Divorce Guide for Women by Oona Metz: https://www.amazon.com/Unhitched-Essential-Divorce-Guide-Women/dp/1668075385 If today's discussion resonated with you or sparked curiosity, please rate, follow, and share "Insights from the Couch" with others. Your support helps us reach more people and continue providing valuable insights. Here's to finding our purposes and living a life full of meaning and joy. StaPre-order The Cost of Quiet now! Colette's new book, The Cost of Quiet: How to Have the Hard Conversations that Create Secure, Lasting Love, launches February 3rd. Secure your copy today and get VIP bonuses available only before launch day. https://www.colettejanefehr.com/new-book

Listen as Pastors Stephen Martin and Nathan Brown answer the marriage questions most pastors avoid. From surviving infidelity to navigating blended families to understanding biblical boundaries in intimacy—this episode delivers practical wisdom for real marriages.Perfect for your commute or workout, this Q&A covers six listener-submitted questions from the Strong Marriage Conference.You'll Learn:✅ Why God permits but never commands divorce✅ How to rebuild trust after betrayal✅ Navigating adult children in second marriages✅ What the Bible actually says about the marriage bedWhether you're engaged, newlywed, or decades into marriage, this conversation will strengthen your biblical foundation for the covenant you've made.New episodes every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 7 AM CT. Subscribe now so you never miss an episode.

Lies often begin as an attempt to avoid pain—whether it’s a small exaggeration meant to spare feelings or a major deception that shakes a relationship to its core. But this devotional reminds us that while lies promise comfort, they ultimately deliver harm. Deceit doesn’t just damage the relationship between two people; it also erodes the integrity of the one who lies and creates a ripple effect of distrust that can last far beyond the original betrayal. And even when forgiveness is present, healing is not always immediate. Forgiving someone doesn’t automatically erase the consequences of what happened, and it doesn’t require us to pretend we weren’t hurt. In fact, it’s natural to protect ourselves after trust is broken. But one of the painful realities this devotional highlights is how easily we can carry that hurt forward—projecting distrust onto new people who haven’t done anything wrong. This is where “the truth hurts”: truth asks us not to remain closed off forever, but to live with a heart that’s willing to love again. Trusting again doesn’t mean ignoring red flags or throwing caution to the wind. It means letting God heal what was broken so we aren’t trapped by bitterness or fear. It means allowing discernment to guide us while keeping our hearts open enough to receive the blessings God still wants to bring—new friendships, restored hope, and even new love. The devotional encourages us to remember that God never wastes brokenness. He shines through it, heals it, and can rebuild what feels shattered. When we place our confidence in Him, we can move forward with courage, believing that God is still writing fruit-bearing chapters ahead. Main Takeaways Lies may feel protective in the moment, but they ultimately damage trust and relationships. Forgiveness doesn’t erase the reality of hurt, and healing takes time. It’s easy to project distrust onto new people after betrayal, but truth calls us to trust wisely again. Discernment matters—open-hearted trust is not the same as ignoring red flags. God can redeem brokenness and lead you into relationships and blessings that bear fruit. Today’s Bible Verse: Jeremiah 17:7–8 Your Daily Prayer Here is a brief excerpt from today’s prayer: “Father, thank you for being a God we can trust. Your loving faithfulness has proven itself over and over.” You can read the full prayer and devotional at the links below. Want More? Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.

Send Us Your Prayer Requests --------Thank you for listening! Your support of Joni and Friends helps make this show possible. Joni and Friends envisions a world where every person with a disability finds hope, dignity, and their place in the body of Christ. Become part of the global movement today at www.joniandfriends.org. Find more encouragement on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube.

In this conversation, Lyndon Harris shares his profound forgiveness journey that began after the events of 9/11. Lyndon is a speaker and forgiveness coach who helps people with topics like the importance of self-forgiveness, forgiveness for others, and forgiveness of the cards that life deals us.  On this episode, he discusses his own story of how withholding forgiveness had a grave impact on his life. But, after years of turmoil, forgiveness helped put the pieces of his life back together. Lyndon emphasizes the health benefits of forgiveness and the necessity of gratitude in the healing process. He concludes with insights on the existential challenges of life and the importance of finding peace amidst suffering. At the top of the episode, hosts Roy Jacques, Joey Svendsen, and Lynne Stroy reflect on and dissect times in their lives when extending forgiveness was profoundly difficult. The three also discuss some theological nuances of this topic. On this Episode: Lyndon Harris | Ted Talk | Web | Forgiveness Workbook | MemoirHosts:  Roy Jacques | Lynne Stroy | Joey Svendsen Be a Patron of the podcast We have a YouTube Channel for videos of all episodes since Jan. 2024. Also we have a Facebook Page for listeners to keep up with the latest news on "Things You Won't Hear on Sunday" Podcast. Producer/Editor/host: Joey SvendsenSound Engineer/Editor: Katelyn Vandiver

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Heartbreak can turn even the strongest among us into tireless editors of the past. We replay scenes, bargain with “what if,” and try to outrun regret. This conversation changes that script. With transformation specialist Dr. Dravon James, we explore forgiveness not as a soft ideal but as a rigorous, practical pathway to real happiness. Acceptance—“it is what it is”—stops sounding like surrender and starts feeling like authorship. As Dravon says, you can't change a yellow wall to blue without first naming yellow.We dive into a blank-canvas practice that's equal parts tender and disarming: release old labels, whisper “I am nothing,” and notice what appears. From that openness, the questions sharpen: Which version of me is complete? What wants to be created now? Along the way, we trade perfection for progress and explore how safety in relationships grows when we allow the power of “no.” Boundaries become bridges when consent enters hard conversations and curiosity replaces assumption. That's where real repair begins.Dravon's insights on self-trust come alive here: before self-love, rebuild faith in your own choices by noticing how often you've already shown up for yourself. When we tune into that inner station, synchronicity feels less like luck and more like alignment. Sometimes the truth within says a long relationship has run its course. Hearing it is hard. Ignoring it is harder.If you're ready to stop punishing yourself, to let “no” deepen intimacy rather than threaten it, and to turn heartbreak into wisdom you can actually use, this episode is for you. Listen, share it with someone who needs a softer way forward, and leave a review so more people can find their path to everyday peace. Then tell us: what label are you ready to set down today?Connect with Dr. Dravon James:Website: https://drdravonjames.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drdravonjamesFacebook:  www.facebook.com/everydaypeacewithdrdravonjamesBook: Forgiveness: The Pathway to HappinessChelsea Leigh Trescott: Email: chelsea@breakupward.com Instagram: https://instagram.com/thankyouheartbreak Advice Column: https://www.huffpost.com Writing: https://thoughtcatalog.com/chelsea-leigh-trescott

Consistent. Patience. Forgiveness. Kindness. Available. Those are a lot of good words, and coming up, Dr. Randy will encourage you to find one word for one year. So, what's yours… for 2026? Sign up for Dr. Randy’s INTENTIONAL ONE THING CHALLENGE. Here’s an Intentional Living Blog for inspiration! Saved on Purpose What is Intentional Living? […]

Fluent Fiction - Dutch: Mending Bonds: A Winter's Tale of Family and Forgiveness Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/nl/episode/2026-01-06-23-34-02-nl Story Transcript:Nl: De geur van versgemalen koffie vulde de lucht van het gezellige koffiehuis.En: The scent of freshly ground coffee filled the air of the cozy koffiehuis.Nl: Het was een koude winterdag in Amsterdam en sneeuwvlokken dwarrelden zachtjes buiten neer, boven het kabbelende water van de gracht.En: It was a cold winter's day in Amsterdam and snowflakes gently drifted down outside, above the rippling water of the canal.Nl: Binnen was het warm en knus, vol van het zachte geroezemoes van gesprekken en het rustige geklingel van kopjes.En: Inside, it was warm and snug, filled with the soft murmur of conversations and the gentle clinking of cups.Nl: Bram zat met zijn handen om een kop warme koffie geklemd.En: Bram sat with his hands clasped around a cup of warm coffee.Nl: Hij staarde uit het raam, naar de gracht.En: He stared out the window at the canal.Nl: Zijn gedachten dwaalden af naar zijn familie.En: His thoughts wandered to his family.Nl: Te midden van de vrolijke herrie van het Driekoningenfeest had hij een gemis gevoeld.En: Amidst the cheerful noise of the Driekoningenfeest, he had felt a sense of loss.Nl: Hij miste het contact met Renske, zijn nicht die hij al te lang niet meer echt gesproken had door een oude ruzie.En: He missed the contact with Renske, his cousin whom he hadn't really spoken to for far too long due to an old quarrel.Nl: Renske zat tegenover hem, haar ogen glinsterden van verwachting.En: Renske sat across from him, her eyes sparkling with anticipation.Nl: "Een nieuw jaar, nieuwe kansen," zei ze vrolijk.En: "A new year, new opportunities," she said cheerfully.Nl: Sander zat naast haar, rustig roerend in zijn koffie.En: Sander sat next to her, quietly stirring his coffee.Nl: Hij had altijd een nuchtere kijk op de dingen.En: He always had a grounded view on things.Nl: "Het is belangrijk om vooruit te kijken," zei hij.En: "It's important to look forward," he said.Nl: Bram voelde zich een beetje zenuwachtig.En: Bram felt a bit nervous.Nl: Hij wist dat hij het onderwerp moest aankaarten.En: He knew he had to bring up the subject.Nl: "Renske," begon hij, "ik wilde met je praten over ons...En: "Renske," he began, "I wanted to talk to you about us...Nl: De laatste tijd denk ik veel na over onze familie, en ik voel dat ik het wil goedmaken."En: Lately, I've been thinking a lot about our family, and I feel that I want to make amends."Nl: Renske keek hem nieuwsgierig aan.En: Renske looked at him curiously.Nl: "Ik ben blij dat je dat zegt, Bram," zei ze zacht.En: "I'm glad you say that, Bram," she said softly.Nl: "Ik heb je gemist."En: "I've missed you."Nl: Bram voelde de spanning van zich afglijden.En: Bram felt the tension slide away.Nl: "Ik ook," gaf hij toe.En: "I have too," he admitted.Nl: "Kunnen we proberen dingen recht te zetten?"En: "Can we try to set things right?"Nl: Renkse knikte.En: Renske nodded.Nl: "Ja, laten we dat doen.En: "Yes, let's do that.Nl: Het voelt alsof er een kans is om opnieuw te beginnen."En: It feels like there's a chance to start over."Nl: En zo, tussen de warmte van de koffie en de winterse kou buiten, begonnen ze opnieuw.En: And so, between the warmth of the coffee and the wintry cold outside, they began anew.Nl: Bram leerde dat eerlijkheid echt de sleutel was.En: Bram learned that honesty was truly the key.Nl: De vriendschap met zijn nicht werd hersteld, en een nieuwe start gaf hen beiden hoop.En: The friendship with his cousin was restored, and a fresh start gave both of them hope.Nl: De koffie was al lang op toen ze de koffiebar verlieten.En: The coffee had long been finished by the time they left the koffiebar.Nl: De gracht weerspiegelde de sterretjes van de kerstverlichting.En: The canal reflected the little stars of the Christmas lights.Nl: Bram voelde zich lichter.En: Bram felt lighter.Nl: Hij wist dat de band met Renske sterker was dan ooit tevoren.En: He knew that the bond with Renske was stronger than ever before.Nl: Samen liepen ze door de sneeuw, samen naar de toekomst.En: Together they walked through the snow, together into the future. Vocabulary Words:scent: geurcozy: gezelligesnowflakes: sneeuwvlokkendrifted: dwarreldenrippling: kabbelendesnug: knusmurmur: geroezemoesclinking: geklingelclasped: geklemdwandered: dwaaldenquarrel: ruzieanticipation: verwachtingcheerfully: vrolijkgrounded: nuchtereamends: goedmakencuriously: nieuwsgierigsoftly: zachttension: spanningright: rechtnodded: knikteanew: opnieuwhonesty: eerlijkheidrestored: hersteldcanal: grachtreflected: weerspiegeldebond: bandknows: wistsnows: sneeuwfuture: toekomst

In this episode of Extraordinary Living with Bill & Roger, Bill Gruhlkey explores the biblical stories of Elijah and John the Baptist to highlight the importance of maintaining one's guard and faith in God. Bill emphasizes how Elijah experienced supernatural events but faltered when he let his guard down. Similarly, John the Baptist questioned Jesus' identity while in prison, demonstrating human vulnerability. Bill encourages you to stay rooted in God's word and avoid the pitfalls of offense and envy. He shares personal anecdotes to underline the power of faith, the simplicity of God's guidance, and the significance of knowing His word. The episode concludes with an invitation to deepen your relationship with God and to support the ministry through partnership.   EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS:   00:00 Introduction and Elijah's Journey 00:28 Welcome to Extraordinary Living 00:45 Elijah's Miracles and Challenges 02:29 The Contest on Mount Carmel 07:30 Elijah's Downfall and Lessons 10:26 John the Baptist's Doubts 13:48 The Power of Forgiveness 17:31 The Parable of the Lost Son 27:23 Closing Thoughts and Call to Action   Connect with Bill & Roger Ministries: www.billandroger.com   Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100064668460680

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https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260106dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion On coming to the house, they saw the child with his mother Mary, and they bowed down and worshiped him. Matthew 2:11 Extraordinarily Ordinary If you say, “yesterday was an extraordinary day,” you mean that something incredible happened. But if you say, “yesterday was an extra ordinary day,” you mean that it was even more normal and boring than usual. Just making one word into two gives the sentence an entirely opposite meaning. Extraordinary events surrounded the Magi’s visit to Bethlehem. But there were also a few extra ordinary things they discovered on their journey. An ancient prophecy and an extraordinary star led them to an extra ordinary little town called Bethlehem. The star stopped above what was probably an extra ordinary home. Inside, they found an extra ordinary looking Jewish couple with an ordinary-looking baby. But the Magi saw past the child’s ordinary surroundings. They saw their Savior, who was going to give them a gift far more precious than the gold, frankincense, and myrrh they had just laid at his feet. That baby would give the gift of sins forgiven and eternal life. The wise men didn’t need to see a king in a palace surrounded by servants. They’d likely seen plenty of kings like that in their lifetimes. The Magi needed to see their Savior. That’s exactly what God led them to see. It’s human nature to think we need more than what God has given. Maybe you’ve felt that attitude creep around in your heart. What God provides you in his Word might not seem like enough. You want him to do more for you. You want him to communicate more extraordinarily with you. But God chooses to use some extra ordinary looking ways to bring his good news to you. In the ordinary pages of the Bible, we see the Savior who proves his eternal kingship with a resurrection from the dead. In baptism, we see ordinary water poured out on a person’s head, marking them as an adopted child of God. In Holy Communion, we see ordinary bread and wine that, when the Word is spoken, have the power to forgive even the darkest sins. The means by which God extends his love to you look like ordinary things, but they work extraordinary results. Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for giving me the extraordinary message of Jesus in ordinary ways every day. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi explore the themes of forgiveness and reconciliation, emphasizing the importance of addressing conflicts and maintaining peace in relationships. They discuss the ministry of reconciliation, the need for healthy communication, and the dangers of bitterness. The dialogue provides practical insights on navigating difficult conversations and understanding the willingness of others to reconcile, all while striving for peace and truth.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Connect with Nicole: https://www.emmanuelequineministry.org/Learn how to hear God in the Receive Academy: https://receiveacademy.com/Chapters:00:00 Introduction01:53 Nicole's Journey to Horse Ministry03:44 The Role of Forgiveness and Holy Spirit09:38 Experiencing the Holy Spirit15:58 Teaching Kids to Listen to God22:53 Embracing the Wild Journey of Faith25:50 Integrating Faith with Horses28:16 Overcoming Barriers and Idols38:40 Walking in Authority and Abundant Life

The King James Bible says that love covers the multitude of sin but what does that really mean? In this broadcast, David and Lynn show you!To watch the video of this message, you can watch us on Victory Channel (Dish 265 or DirecTV 366), on Faith Broadcasting Network (DirecTV channel 379) and you can always watch our broadcasts on demand on our website or our  YouTube Channel!For more information regarding Weeter Ministries, to send prayer requests, praise reports or to become a Covenant Partner with us to get this uncompromised Word of the Living God out to the world, please visit our website: WeeterMinistries.orgSupport the show

Chad Alexander | 12/28/2025

On my own journey of connecting with myself and everything else, I find everything to seem richer and clearer and just more fulfilling. The base level pleasures of life don't satisfy as much. So when this book came across my desk, I was immediately interested. The book is, Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses For Freedom from Unwanted Habits. The author is mother, investor, advocate, and founder, Cecily Mak. Cecily says she is devoted to helping people live dimmer-free, with clarity, courage, and the freedom to change without stigma or shame. Her story started with realizing she was using alcohol to dim her life, but our focus is no alcohol. It's any number of things we engage with that dim our lives. Think of what you turn to when you have a moment of freedom. Instead of being fully present in the moment and taking in the beauties and glories and realness of life, you fill it with what? Social media? A book or podcast, whether entertainment or self-help. Just being productive and getting something done? Buying things? Food, entertainment, and even exercise can be the fillers. Anything and everything other than being fully present and clear. In this episode I dig in with Cecily on the topic. We don't even get into the specifics of her "Eight Awarenesses For Freedom from Unwanted Habits," so before we start, I want to give them to you: 1 My Life Is Better Clear 2 I Choose What I Consume 3 My Intuition Defines My Priorities 4 My Trauma Isn't My Identity  5 Forgiveness and Letting Go Are on the Path to Liberation   6 I Do Not Judge or Impose My Orientations Upon Others 7 Time Is Our Most Precious Currency 8 I Seek Ways to Support Others The book is Undimmed: The Eight Awarenesses For Freedom from Unwanted Habits and you can connect with Cecily on Instagram @clearlifejourney Sign up for your $1/month trial period at shopify.com/kevin Go to shipstation.com and use code KEVIN to start your free trial. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Dr. John Lennox explains how the story of Joseph in Genesis showcases God's goodness through trials. John C. Lennox is professor emeritus of mathematics at the University of Oxford and an associate fellow of Oxford's Said Business School. He is also the author of 'Joseph: A Story of Love, Hate, Slavery, Power, and Forgiveness' from Crossway. ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Read the full transcript of this episode.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ❖ Listen to “Why Did God Let Job Suffer?" with Christopher Ash: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠  Apple Podcasts | Spotify | ⁠YouTube⁠ If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to leave us a review, which helps us spread the word about the show.

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260105dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 Gift Wrapped for God What do you think of your new clothes? We’re not talking about the new clothes you might have gotten for Christmas, but the new clothes that the Lord has gifted to you. Our eyes can’t perceive these new clothes we’re wearing, but God notices them on us. He sees us wrapped in “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” We didn’t pick these clothes out or buy them for ourselves. These clothes were a gift from Jesus. And he paid a steep cost to give them to us. He paid with his life for us to wear these clothes. More than that, he took our grimy, dirty, sin-covered clothes away from us when he gave us his garment of salvation. Martin Luther famously captured this exchange that happened at the cross when he said, “Lord Jesus, I am your sin; you are my righteousness. I have made you what you were not; you have made me what I was not.” Jesus has made us what we were not. Jesus wraps us up as gifts for his heavenly Father. He presents us to the Father, wrapped in his perfection. He says, “These people are my joy. And I know you'll love them too, Father.” Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for gift wrapping me in your garment of salvation and robe of righteousness. My soul rejoices in you because you covered my shame and sin with your forgiveness and glory. I am precious in God the Father's sight. Let that truth give me peace every single day. In your name, O Lord. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

A Life Measured in SESSIONS: Sex, Fitness, andSelf-Destruction by author and expert in the history and culture of fitness CraigMaltese - https://a.co/d/gsaPKMB Recovery literature (quit-lit) recommendation: Unlimited Power : The New Science Of Personal Achievement byTony Robbins- https://a.co/d/270LVVp Best piece of Recovery advice: If you want to make something of yourself, make it happenwhere you are. Song that symbolizes Recovery to Craig: Someone Belonging to Someone by the Bee Gees - https://youtu.be/WRAvVr-jpXw?si=Zy95g91rk362H66W SummaryIn this episode of The Way Out Podcast, Craig Maltese shareshis journey through addiction, focusing on the complexities of sex addictionand the role of fitness and movement in recovery. He discusses the importanceof personal stories in recovery, the challenges of navigating relationships,and the cultural attitudes towards sex and addiction. Craig emphasizes the needfor vulnerability and the evolution of personal relationships in sobriety,while also addressing the commercialization of the recovery industry and theimportance of defining healthy relationships. In this conversation, CraigMaltese shares his journey of self-discovery and recovery, emphasizing theimportance of choosing healthier options, understanding the evolution offitness, and the impact of time on personal growth. He discusses thesignificance of movement, yoga, and vulnerability in fostering connections andhealing relationships. Craig reflects on the challenges of navigating life, thepower of humility, and the ongoing journey of forgiveness and regret.Ultimately, he highlights the importance of being present and making the mostof each moment in life. TakeawaysCraig Maltese discusses his journey through addiction andrecovery.He emphasizes the importance of movement in recoveryprograms.Recovery is a personal journey that varies for eachindividual.Sharing personal stories can help others in their recovery.Sex addiction is often misunderstood and stigmatized.Childhood experiences can significantly influence addictionpatterns.Fitness can serve as a healthy outlet for stress andemotions.Navigating intimacy and relationships is a challenge inrecovery.Vulnerability is key to forming meaningful connections.The recovery industry faces challenges in addressing complexissues like sex addiction. Choosing healthier options can lead to better mentalhealth.Fitness can evolve from selfish pursuits to holisticwellness.Understanding the passage of time is crucial for personalgrowth.Self-discovery is a continuous journey that requires effort.Yoga can provide a deeper connection to one's body and mind.Movement serves as an anchor for emotional stability.Humility and vulnerability are powerful tools for healing.Restoring relationships is often the greatest success inrecovery.Daily practices like fasting and yoga can enhance wellness.Forgiveness is a complex process that requiresself-reflection. Don't forget to check out “The Way Out Playlist” availableonlyon Spotify. Curated by all our wonderful guests on the podcast! https://open.spotify.com?episode/07lvzwUq1L6VQGnZuH6OLz?si=3eyd3PxVRWCKz4pTurLcmA (c) 2015 - 2026 The Way Out Podcast | All Rights Reserved.Theme Music: “all clear” (⁠⁠⁠https://ketsa.uk/browse-music/)byKetsa (https://ketsa.uk⁠⁠⁠) licensed under CCBY-NC-ND4.0(https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd) 

Consistent. Patience. Forgiveness. Kindness. Available. Those are a lot of good words, and coming up, Dr. Randy will encourage you to find one word for one year. So, what's yours… for 2026? Sign up for Dr. Randy’s INTENTIONAL ONE THING CHALLENGE. Here’s an Intentional Living Blog for inspiration! Say Who You Are Part 1 What […]

Jesus Followers Are Sinners Who Have a Savior Because “Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners . . .”; Is Jesus Your Savior Too? MESSAGE SUMMARY: We are all sinners, but we now have a Savior – Jesus. As Paul tells us, in 1 Timothy 1:15-16, that the Gospel provides Salvation for all followers of Jesus, including the worst of sinners -- Paul: “The saying is trustworthy and deserving of full acceptance, that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, of whom I am the foremost. But I received mercy for this reason, that in me, as the foremost, Jesus Christ might display his perfect patience as an example to those who were to believe in him for eternal life.". Also, Paul, in 1 Timothy 2:3b-6, further points out that God wants all of us to be saved by His Grace through Jesus if we only, as sinners like Paul, reach out to bring Jesus into our lives: “God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all, which is the testimony given at the proper time.”. It is only because of Jesus the Christ that we receive the healing that we need. “I am a sinner who now has a Savior – do you”?   TODAY'S PRAYER: Abba Father, I open my clenched fists to surrender everything you have given to me. Reestablish my identity in you — not in my family, my work, my accomplishments, or what others think of me. Cleanse the things in me that are not conformed to your will. By faith I unite my will to yours so that the likeness of Jesus Christ may be formed in me. In his name, amen. Scazzero, Peter. Emotionally Healthy Spirituality Day by Day (p. 85). Zondervan. Kindle Edition. TODAY'S AFFIRMATION: Today, Because of who I am in Jesus Christ, I will not be driven by Anger. Rather, I will abide in the Lord's Forgiveness. “I am the vine; you are the branches. If a man remains in Me and I in him, he will bear much fruit; apart from Me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5). SCRIPTURE REFERENCE (ESV): 1 Timothy 1:15-17; 1 Timothy 2:3b-6; 2 Timothy 1:8-12; Psalms 89a:1-13 A WORD FROM THE LORD WEBSITE: www.AWFTL.org. THIS SUNDAY'S AUDIO SERMON: You can listen to Archbishop Beach's Current Sunday Sermon: “The Struggle with Time -- Until I Determine How We Want to Use Our Time, Others Will Determine How Our Time Is Used ”, at our Website: https://awordfromthelord.org/listen/ DONATE TO AWFTL: https://mygiving.secure.force.com/GXDonateNow?id=a0Ui000000DglsqEAB

Forgiveness isn't losing an argument—it's choosing peace and healing over letting hurt quietly fester.

In this week's sermon, we kick of the new year by looking at the fresh start that God gives us through Christ. While it would be nice to have a rewind button through life, that isn't how things work. So, God gives us the ability to repent of our sins and star fresh with Jesus' sacrifice and resurrection. We're glad that you made it to this video! We're also available on Youtube. For more information on our worship services or church as a whole, visit fbcwest.com

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260105dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of his righteousness. Isaiah 61:10 Gift Wrapped for God What do you think of your new clothes? We’re not talking about the new clothes you might have gotten for Christmas, but the new clothes that the Lord has gifted to you. Our eyes can’t perceive these new clothes we’re wearing, but God notices them on us. He sees us wrapped in “garments of salvation” and a “robe of righteousness.” We didn’t pick these clothes out or buy them for ourselves. These clothes were a gift from Jesus. And he paid a steep cost to give them to us. He paid with his life for us to wear these clothes. More than that, he took our grimy, dirty, sin-covered clothes away from us when he gave us his garment of salvation. Martin Luther famously captured this exchange that happened at the cross when he said, “Lord Jesus, I am your sin; you are my righteousness. I have made you what you were not; you have made me what I was not.” Jesus has made us what we were not. Jesus wraps us up as gifts for his heavenly Father. He presents us to the Father, wrapped in his perfection. He says, “These people are my joy. And I know you'll love them too, Father.” Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, thank you for gift wrapping me in your garment of salvation and robe of righteousness. My soul rejoices in you because you covered my shame and sin with your forgiveness and glory. I am precious in God the Father's sight. Let that truth give me peace every single day. In your name, O Lord. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

In this conversation, Richard Case and Kathy Rocconi discuss the themes of family activities during the New Year, particularly skiing, and transition into a deeper exploration of reconciliation. They emphasize the spiritual nature of reconciliation, the role of individuals as ambassadors for Christ, and practical steps to offer reconciliation to those who have caused hurt. The discussion highlights the importance of truth in the reconciliation process and the necessity of being reconciled with God before extending that reconciliation to others.We want to hear from YOU! If you would like to submit a question or comment for further discussion, please email us at: questions@abideministries.com.

Freedom in Forgiveness | Pastor Marcus De La Cruz | December 31, 2025 | Wednesday 7PM | Porterville, CA

Forgiveness sounds noble—but what does it actually require of us? And is it even possible in situations of deep hurt or betrayal?In this episode, Gila Ross explores forgiveness through the powerful story of Yosef and his brothers, weaving together Torah sources, human psychology, and uncomfortable real-life questions. This conversation challenges easy answers and invites us to think more honestly about accountability, repair, and healing.What forgiveness really means — and what it doesn'tIs forgiveness possible in extreme situations?Yosef and his brothers as a case studyHow forgiveness is earnedCheck out my book, Living Beautifully - how to bring more meaning, joy and love into your life based on the timeless wisdom of Pirkei Avot.

Romans, Romans CH 2, Apostle Paul, Judgement, Judge Not, Righteous Judgement, Goodness, God is Good, Repentance, Long suffering, Knowledge, Following Jesus, Servant, Truth, Father, Son, Eternal Life, Spirit, Soul, Body, Christian, Born Again, Believer, Atheist, nonbeliever, God, Son of God, Theology, Providence, Foreknowledge, Prophecy, Wisdom, Faith, Love, Trinity, Holy, Spirit, Genesis, Spirit of the Lord, Spiritual, Conscience, Prayer, Grace, New Testament, Old Testament, Salvation, Forgiveness, Gospel, Holy Spirit, Lord, Jesus, Pastor, Mercy, God's Word, Bible, Disciples, Ministry, Messiah, Heavenly Father, Hebrew, Preaching, Teaching, Jew, Gentile, Church, Calvary Kaneohe

Happy New Year! In this episode, five mental health advocates discuss their backgrounds and the current state of mental health on this expert panel. They explore the challenges faced during the holidays, the importance of self-care, and strategies for emotional well-being. The conversation emphasizes the need for support, understanding, and personal growth as we navigate the complexities of mental health in today's world with Bronwyn, Claudia, Kendra, and Tomi!As You Listen:00:00 Introduction to Mental Health Advocates 05:00 Navigating Mental Health During the Holidays 10:01 Emotional Wellbeing Trends and Challenges 15:02 Self-Care Strategies for the New Year 20:02 Looking Ahead: Goals and Aspirations for 2026"You are not alone.""Self-care is not selfish.""Trust your gut."

https://wels2.blob.core.windows.net/daily-devotions/20260104dev.mp3 Listen to Devotion “I delight greatly in the LORD; my soul rejoices in my God. For he has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom adorns his head like a priest, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” Isaiah 61:10 You Are What You Wear Some have said, “You are what you wear.” If you are in a clown suit, you probably are a clown. If you’re wearing a baseball hat, team jersey, baseball pants, and cleats, you probably are a baseball player. If you are wearing a beautiful white wedding dress, you probably are a bride. You are what you wear. By birth, we needed new spiritual clothes to wear. Why? Because, by nature, we are sinful people who are wearing sinful, dirty, greedy clothes. Thankfully, through Jesus, God has given us new spiritual clothes. The prophet Isaiah wrote that, “He has clothed me with garments of salvation and arrayed me in a robe of righteousness.” The LORD himself has given us his garments of salvation; he has dressed us in his robe of righteousness. “Righteousness” is a word that means “perfection.” How did he do this? First, Jesus lived a perfect life; he was robed in righteousness. Then Jesus lovingly made a trade. He dressed us in his perfection and clothed himself with our sinfulness. Taking our sins on himself, he suffered the punishment we deserved. By his death, he paid for our sins so that we will never have to. As a result, we can delight greatly in the Lord! Martin Luther put it this way: “In his righteousness I live, not in mine.” In the end, who are we? Check out Isaiah’s description of our clothes once again. We are saved. We are perfect in God’s eyes. We are what we are wearing—beautifully perfect in the pure clothing given to us by God himself. Prayer: Dear Jesus, thank you for becoming what you were not, so that I might become what I was not. Give me great joy as I remember who I am through you—one who is clothed in a garment of salvation and arrayed in a robe of righteousness for all time. Amen. Daily Devotions is brought to you by WELS. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial-No Derivative Works 3.0 United States License. All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc. ™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.

Welcome to the audio podcast of VIA Church. VIA exists to build a community that is captivatedby the love of Jesus and living in His truth. No matter your age, background, ideology or future,we welcome you to experience Jesus through VIA! Visit www.via.church for more information.

Dr. Jordan Stone preached on Psalm 32.

Relationships get complicated fast, but healing starts when we take responsibility for our part. This message explores how to ask for forgiveness, make real repair attempts, and stop focusing on everyone else's faults before dealing with our own. If you want clearer and healthier relationships, this is a practical place to begin.

Bitterness has a way of settling deep into our hearts—especially when we’ve experienced injustice, betrayal, suffering, or pain that feels undeserved. And when it takes root, it doesn’t just stay quietly in the background. It can slowly drain our joy, distort our perspective, and keep us from experiencing the goodness God wants for us. Left unchecked, bitterness becomes a life-killer—squeezing the peace and freedom out of our lives from the inside out. This devotional reminds us that bitterness isn’t something we can conquer through willpower alone. Even with all the tools the world offers—self-help programs, personal improvement plans, or counseling strategies—true freedom from bitterness requires something deeper: forgiveness. Forgiveness is the doorway that releases us from the grip bitterness has on our souls. And while forgiving someone who isn’t sorry—or doesn’t believe they’ve done anything wrong—can feel impossible, God never asks us to do it alone. He supplies strength and grace so that we can let go of what we were never meant to carry. As we step into a new year, this is an invitation to leave bitterness behind—before it becomes a root that grows and spreads. The call is clear: obey God’s instruction to release it, and trust Him to heal what you cannot fix. Jesus not only taught forgiveness—He demonstrated it, even while suffering on the cross. That same power and grace are available to you today. God is ready to help you loosen your grip on bitterness and step forward into a freer, lighter, more joy-filled future. Main Takeaways Bitterness can take root quietly but become spiritually and emotionally destructive over time. Freedom from bitterness requires forgiveness—not just time, effort, or self-improvement. Forgiving others can feel impossible, especially when they aren’t sorry, but God gives strength to do what we can’t do alone. A new year is an opportunity to release what is poisoning your heart and walk into greater peace. Jesus modeled forgiveness, proving that grace and freedom are possible even in deep pain. Today’s Bible Verse: Ephesians 4:31 Looking for more daily encouragement and faith-filled content? LifeAudio – Discover daily devotionals, Christian podcasts, and biblical encouragement at LifeAudio.com Crosswalk – Explore faith, prayer, and Christian living resources at Crosswalk.com Discover more Christian podcasts at lifeaudio.com and inquire about advertising opportunities at lifeaudio.com/contact-us.