Forgiving Offenses at Work [TDPOW #151]
- Staff
- Aug 6
- 2 min read
Scripture
Colossians 3:13 — “…bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.”
Devotional
Workplaces are filled with opportunities to be offended—dismissive comments, unfair criticism, broken promises, or insensitive actions. Left unchecked, these offenses can calcify into bitterness, slowly poisoning your heart and relationships.
Paul doesn’t deny that complaints and real hurts exist. Instead, he points you to the cross: “as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Forgiveness is not saying, “It didn’t matter”; it’s saying, “I’m choosing to release this debt because Christ has released mine.” It may be a repeated, costly choice, especially in ongoing situations.
At work, forgiveness might not always lead to close relationship or immediate trust, especially where repentance is absent. Yet it frees you from carrying resentment. It allows you to continue working with integrity, refusing to let someone else’s sin dictate the condition of your heart.
Reflection Questions
Is there someone at work you are holding in your heart with unforgiveness?
How has that bitterness affected your joy, focus, or relationship with God?
What step toward forgiveness—at least before God—can you take today?
Prayer
Lord, You have forgiven me more than I can comprehend. I bring You the offenses I’m holding onto. Help me forgive as You have forgiven me. Free my heart from bitterness and empower me to walk in grace, even when it’s hard. Amen.
Sign up to receive daily email devotionals.
Want to go deeper?
Download The Divine Purpose of Work eBook, study guide, and additional materials to help you integrate your faith into every part of your career.
This devotional is designed to encourage you as you live out your faith in the workplace. It works best when paired with regular time in Scripture, prayer, and worship—the rhythms through which we grow to know Christ more deeply and become more like Him.
Comments