“Forgiven and Forgive” (Day 20)

Verse of the Day
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”  – Ephesians 4:32
 
Faith has been the steady foundation of my life. It has guided me through joys and sorrows, shaped my character, and sustained me through many challenges. Looking back, I can see God’s hand present in every chapter of my life.
 
I grew up in a Christian home where church was simply part of life. Our weeks were shaped by Sunday School, worship, and Methodist Youth Fellowship. As a family we often sang hymns and read Scripture together. From those early years, I learned to trust that God had a plan and that He was always with me.
 
My faith deepened when life became difficult. One of the hardest moments came when my sister died in a tragic accident. I was supposed to be in the car with her that weekend, but at the last moment she encouraged me to visit relatives instead. That decision saved my life. Losing her was devastating. I wrestled with grief and questions, but through prayer and time I came to believe that even in suffering, we are not alone. God was still holding me.
 
When Angela and I married, our shared faith became the thread that held our life together. We were married in the Methodist Church and raised our children in that same faith. Through busy years of teaching and raising a family, the church remained our anchor.
 
Over time, my faith also grew through service. As an educator, I tried to plant seeds of integrity and perseverance in my students. In retirement, quilting became a quiet ministry—making quilts for people facing illness or hardship, small reminders that someone cares.
 
One of the greatest transformations in my life came through forgiveness. For many years I carried resentment toward my father. Before he died, I stood beside his bed, took his hand, and forgave him. It was not easy, but in that moment I felt God’s grace wash over me. I learned that forgiveness frees the heart.
 
Today, Angela and I continue to find joy in our church family. Through it all, God has been faithful. – Bob Cowperthwaite
 
Thought for the Day
Faith does not remove life’s hardships, but it anchors us through them and slowly transforms our hearts. Is there a place in your life where God may be inviting you to trust Him more deeply—or to release something through forgiveness today?

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