Rehobot Youth Daily Devotional – Thursday, May 7, 2026
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Today’s devotional is titled:
Choose to Forgive
Colossians 3:13
“Bear with one another and forgive one another; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Sometimes there are moments when we feel hurt by our parents—whether because of their words, decisions that didn’t meet our expectations, or attitudes that disappointed us. Those feelings are real, and they don’t just disappear easily. But God reminds us that forgiveness isn’t about waiting for our hearts to heal first; rather, it’s a decision that frees us from bitterness.
The true story of a young man named Stephen in Acts 7. As he was being stoned, Stephen chose to say, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them.” It wasn’t because he didn’t feel hurt, but because he chose to forgive. From Stephen, we learn that forgiveness is a decision of faith, not merely a feeling.
As young people, we often think, “I’ll forgive them once I’m no longer hurt.” But if we wait for our feelings to heal first, we can get trapped in prolonged bitterness. Forgiving parents or authority figures, even while our hearts are still wounded, is a step of faith that sets us free. That doesn’t mean simply forgetting, but choosing not to bind ourselves to the pain anymore.
Forgiveness is like opening the door of our hearts so God can enter and heal. When we choose to forgive, we are showing respect to God who has already forgiven us first. From there, our relationship with our parents can slowly be restored, and our hearts become lighter as we move forward.
What to Do?
• Take time for personal prayer, mention the name of the parent or authority figure who hurt you, and then choose to forgive them.
• Remember Stephen’s example: forgiveness is a decision of faith, not waiting for feelings.
• Write a brief reflection on how forgiveness can set your heart free and bring peace.
📖 Bible Marathon: 2 Corinthians 7