November 26
A Heart
That Forgives
“Be kind and tenderhearted to one another. Forgive each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
Ephesians 4:32 (NIrV)
George had always been a busy man. He worked long hours, often coming home late from the office, his mind still tangled in work emails and meetings. His wife, Paula, had gotten used to this routine, but it didn’t make it any easier. As their 10th wedding anniversary approached, Paula hoped that this year would be different. She had already dropped hints, suggesting that they take the evening off to celebrate—just the two of them. After all, it had been ten years. They had built a life together, and she wanted to mark the occasion.
But as the day of their anniversary arrived, George was consumed by work. The hours passed by in a blur, and before he knew it, the evening was approaching. He glanced at his phone and realized with horror that he had forgotten the date. His stomach sank. The tension between work and family had stretched him thin, and in the chaos, he had missed the most important thing: his wife.
When George walked through the front door, he found Paula sitting quietly on the couch. She wasn’t angry—at least, she didn’t raise her voice—but her silence spoke volumes. George tried to make small talk, but Paula remained distant. Her cold demeanor made George's heart sink deeper. He had forgotten their anniversary.
“I thought maybe we could celebrate tonight. You know, like we always wanted to,” Paula said, her voice soft but laced with disappointment.
George’s heart tightened. He didn’t know what to say. “Paula, I’m so sorry. I got caught up at work. I didn’t mean to—”
“It’s not just that,” she interrupted. “It’s the fact that you didn’t even remember. Ten years, George. Ten years, and I’m just not important enough to you.”
George felt his chest tighten. He had messed up. The guilt washed over him. It wasn’t about the anniversary itself—it was about how he had taken Paula for granted. How, in the rush of life, he had failed to give her the attention and care she deserved.
The weight of his mistake sat heavily on him, and the silence in the room stretched between them. George finally spoke, his voice quiet but earnest. “Paula, I messed up. I should have made this a priority. I know I’ve been busy, but that’s no excuse. I’m sorry. I’ll make it up to you, I promise.”
Paula didn’t respond right away, and for a moment, George thought she might just walk away. But then, with a heavy sigh, she softened. “I just want you to see me, George. I need you to see me. I don’t need grand gestures, but I need to feel like I’m your priority, not just an afterthought.”
Her words struck a deep chord in George. He realized that the real issue wasn’t just the forgotten anniversary, but the way he had neglected her emotional needs. In that moment, he understood that marriage wasn’t just about big events and celebrations—it was about showing kindness, tenderness, and forgiveness in the small, everyday moments.
George paused, letting Paula’s words sink in. He had to make things right. “I hear you, Paula. I promise I will do better. I don’t deserve your forgiveness, but I’m asking for it anyway.”
Paula looked at him, her eyes softening, and then nodded. “You’ve messed up, but I’m not going to hold it against you forever. We’ve been through so much together, and I’m willing to forgive.”
George’s heart swelled with gratitude. He didn’t deserve it, but Paula’s willingness to forgive him in that moment reminded him of the grace and forgiveness that God offers us every day. He realized that forgiveness wasn’t just about making things right—it was about showing kindness, tenderness, and humility, just as God had shown him.
As they sat together, talking and reconnecting, George quietly prayed, asking God to help him be more present in his marriage, to show love and tenderness in the small things, and to always offer forgiveness when needed.
Prayer:
Dear God,
I come before You today with a heart full of gratitude and repentance.
I have made mistakes and hurt the ones I love, and for that, I ask for Your forgiveness.
Help me to remember the kindness and tenderness You show me every day, and teach me to extend that same love to others, especially to those closest to me.
Help me to be humble in my relationships, to seek reconciliation, and to always be quick to forgive.
Thank You for Your grace, and for showing me what true love and forgiveness look like.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
