21 Days of Prayer: Fall Edition - Day 3 - Healing Relationships

Healing of Relationships


Scripture: “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)

Expository Explanation of the Scripture
In this verse, Paul is addressing the church at Colossae about how believers should live in community. The command is twofold:

1. Bear with one another – This means to patiently endure differences, weaknesses, and shortcomings in others, not quickly giving up on relationships.
2. Forgive one another – The Greek word charizomai (forgive) literally means to “graciously give” or “extend favor.” Forgiveness is not earned; it is granted as a gift.

Paul anchors this command in the example of Christ: “Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Our forgiveness is rooted in God’s grace toward us through Christ (Ephesians 4:32). Because God forgave our great debt (Matthew 18:21–35), we are empowered and obligated to forgive others, even when it feels undeserved.

Reference Scriptures

• Matthew 6:14–15 – Forgiveness from God is tied to how we forgive others.
• Ephesians 4:32 – Be kind and compassionate, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ forgave you.
• Mark 11:25 – Forgive so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.

Devotional Thought
Relationships are often tested by misunderstandings, offenses, and unmet expectations. Left unresolved, bitterness takes root and hinders both our spiritual walk and our peace (Hebrews 12:15). But forgiveness is the key that unlocks healing. When we forgive, we mirror Christ, who forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8).
Forgiveness does not mean excusing wrong behavior or denying pain—it means releasing the right to revenge and entrusting the matter to God. True healing begins not when the other person changes, but when we release them from the debt we feel they owe us.

Reflection Questions

1. Who in my life am I struggling to forgive right now?
2. How has God’s forgiveness of me shaped the way I view others’ offenses?
3. What relationships in my family, church, or workplace need healing through forgiveness?

Application Point
Choose one person you may be holding resentment toward. Pray specifically for them today, asking God to soften your heart. Write down what they “owe” you (apology, explanation, etc.), and then prayerfully release it to God as an act of forgiveness.

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for the immeasurable forgiveness I have received through Christ. Help me to extend that same grace to others who have hurt or disappointed me. Heal broken relationships in my life, and let forgiveness flow through me as a testimony of Your love. Give me the courage to release offenses and walk in freedom. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Action Step
This week, reach out to someone you’ve been distant from due to offense. It may be a text, a phone call, or simply praying for them daily. Take one intentional step toward reconciliation, trusting God to do the deeper work of healing.