“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.”
—Matthew 11:28 (NIV)

Have you ever carried something heavy for so long that you stopped noticing the weight—until someone offered to take it from you? That’s exactly what happens with unforgiveness. We get so used to carrying resentment, hurt, and offense that we don’t realize how much it’s weighing us down.

Jesus doesn’t just suggest that we forgive—He invites us into something better. He calls us to lay down our burdens and receive His rest. The problem is, we often cling to our pain, afraid that forgiving means excusing what happened. But forgiveness isn’t about saying the hurt didn’t matter—it’s about refusing to let it define your life.

When we choose to forgive, we drop the weight of offense, disappointment, and betrayal at Jesus’ feet. And in return, He gives us peace. Are you willing to let Him carry what you were never meant to hold?

Jesus, I am tired of carrying this weight. I have held onto unforgiveness for so long that it has become part of me, but I know You never intended for me to live this way. Today, I surrender it to You. Take this burden and fill my heart with Your peace. Amen.

“Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” —1 Peter 5:7 (NIV)

(Adapted from Something to Forgive)