Advent 2025 - Day 11 — Peace Through Forgiveness

Day 11 — Peace Through Forgiveness
Scripture: Colossians 3:13–14

“Bear with one another… forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you.”

In Northern Ireland, after decades of conflict, a woman named Anne Gallagher began hosting “tea circles” between Protestant and Catholic widows — women whose husbands had been killed by the other side.

The first meetings were tense, silent, painful. But over time, as they shared stories, prayers, and tears, something extraordinary happened. Enemies began knitting blankets together for orphaned children.
 
They cooked meals for each other. Some even became close friends.

One woman said, “Forgiveness did not erase what happened. It simply opened the door to peace.”

Reflection:
Forgiveness is rarely easy, often slow, and always costly — but it is the soil where peace grows. Is there someone God is inviting you to forgive or release?

Prayer:
God of mercy, help me forgive as You have forgiven me.
Heal my heart and make space for peace to take root.

Amen.