The Power of Forgiveness
Percy Mangwedi (Gauteng, South Africa)




TODAY'S READING
Luke 15:11-24


THOUGHT FOR THE DAY
Forgiveness is the key to contentment.


PRAYER FOCUS
Someone I need to forgive




The son said to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.” But the father said to his servants, “Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.” - Luke 15:21-22 (NIV)



I struggled growing up in poverty and without my father in my life, even though I knew he was alive. Later, my life took a turn for the worse, and I didn’t believe in anything. At school I started to isolate myself; I didn’t want any friends because of the pain I was feeling from my father’s rejection. I started to do bad things to numb the pain, but the hole grew deeper. I wanted my father to feel the hurt I was going through, and I wished a lot of bad things on him so I could feel better about myself. But the pain started to affect everyone around me, including those I love dearly.

One day I noticed how toxic I was being. I realized that I wasn’t the victim that I thought I was; I was also now a perpetrator of hate. My journey took another turn. I started to pray. I have learned not to dwell on the pain other people cause me. By learning to forgive and forget, I have found healing and a joyous life.



TODAY'S PRAYER
Father God, may we focus on you and know you deeply so that we may act like Jesus, forgiving others as you forgive us. Amen.