May 4
Forgiveness
that Brings Peace
“A person’s wisdom makes them patient. They will be honored if they forgive someone who sins against them.”
Proverbs 19:11, NIrV
Aunty Joyce stood in her kitchen, pouring hot water into a teapot. The aroma of chamomile filled the air, but her thoughts were far from calming. Her sister, Sarah, had been sick with worry for weeks. Heather, Sarah’s teenage daughter, had started hanging out with a group of kids known for trouble.
“She’s barely home anymore,” Sarah had confided tearfully over the phone. “She won’t listen to me, Joyce. I don’t know what to do.”
Joyce had tried to stay neutral, but seeing Sarah’s worry made her angry. How could Heather, the sweet girl she’d helped raise, put her mother through this? Every time Heather came over, Joyce wanted to lecture her, to tell her how much pain she was causing. But she held back, unsure if it would help or make things worse.
One afternoon, as Joyce set a tray of tea and biscuits on the table, Heather walked in. Her face was tired, her usual confident demeanor replaced with something softer.
“Hi, Aunty,” Heather said quietly, avoiding eye contact.
Joyce took a deep breath, whispering a quick prayer for patience. “Heather, sit down with me,” she said gently.
As they sipped their tea, Joyce decided not to lecture. Instead, she shared a story from her own youth—how she once made choices that worried her parents and how it had taken someone showing her love, not judgment, to guide her back.
Heather listened, her shoulders relaxing. After a moment, she spoke. “I didn’t mean to upset Mum. I just… I feel like nobody understands me.”
Joyce placed her hand over Heather’s. “Your mum loves you, Heather. And so do I. We just want what’s best for you. You’re always welcome to come here if you need to talk.”
Tears welled up in Heather’s eyes. “I’ll try to do better, Aunty. I promise.”
As Heather left, Joyce prayed again—this time for her niece’s heart to be softened and for her sister to find peace. Forgiveness didn’t mean ignoring the wrongs, but it allowed Joyce to meet Heather with wisdom and love, just as God calls us to do.
Prayer:
Dear God,
Thank You for teaching us patience and wisdom through Your Word.
Like Aunty Joyce, we often struggle to balance love and correction.
Help us to forgive others and to show them the same grace You show us.
Strengthen us to respond with love, even when we’re hurt, and to guide those we care about back to You.
May we always trust in Your plan for healing and restoration.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
