Lectio Divina: Redemption & Forgiveness
Date: June 16, 2025
Scripture: Colossians 3:12-13

Brett Andrews

Part 1: Inward Focus

Welcome everyone to our weekly ePray. Our theme for this month is redemption and forgiveness.

Let us begin by remembering the Lord’s Prayer.

“Our Father who art in heaven,
Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, thy will be done,
On earth as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our trespasses,
As we forgive those who trespass against us.
And lead us not into temptation,
But deliver us from evil.”

Consider with gratitude, for a moment that “we forgive as the Lord has first forgiven us.” Remember for a moment how Jesus has forgiven you and quietly give thanks.

Today, our Bible reading comes from Colossians 3 verses 12-14.  As I read the Scripture, turn your thoughts quietly toward the Lord, asking him to open your heart and ears to his voice and word. Speak to us Lord Jesus!

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.”

Almost everyone as they jump or crawl out of bed in the morning wonders “what will I wear today.” Paul alludes to an everyday task of getting dressed to emphasize the virtues that we choose to wear on a given day. Will we display compassion or bitterness, kindness or cruelty, humility or pride? Will we forgive, or bear a grudge?

Go before God now and ask him,” is there anyone or anything that I need to forgive as Jesus has forgiven me? Is there someone that I need to let off the hook of unforgiveness?

Pause

What needs to happen in my heart or what do I need to do to release that person or persons from the state of unforgiveness I have bound them in?

Pause

How is the unforgiveness I am holding in my heart affecting me? Is it extra weight I’m carrying that I don’t need to?

Pause

Part 2: Outward Focus

As we reread this passage, can you think of one young person in your life who needs to hear this word? Someone who especially needs to let go of unforgiveness for their own sake and for the sake of another.

“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them together in perfect unity.”

What about the youth we serve. Is there a young person you know who would benefit from being reminded of Jesus’ forgiveness toward them?

Could you lead them in a prayer of forgiveness for someone? Your support in this way could make a significant difference in their life. 

Pause

Forgiving someone seems like a daunting, almost insurmountable prospect. Years ago I read something from CS Lewis that has been incredibly helpful for me. He said, “If you want to forgive someone, don’t wait until you feel all warm and emotional toward them, but instead treat them like you have already forgiven them…and your heart will follow!”

Part 3: Wesleyan Covenant Prayer

We end this time together by praying the Wesleyan Covenant Prayer.

I am no longer my own, but yours.
Put me to what you will, place me with whom you will.
Put me to doing, put me to suffering.
Let me be put to work for you or set aside for you, praised for you or criticized for you.
Let me be full, let me be empty.
Let me have all things, let me have nothing.
I freely and fully surrender all things to your glory and service.
And now, O wonderful and holy God, Creator, Redeemer, and Sustainer, You are mine, and I am yours.
So be it.
And the covenant which I have made on earth, let it also be made in heaven.
Amen.

Return to ePray    Listen to this episode