LIVING GRACE

PASTOR RYAN LADEN – DEVOTIONALS

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In Colossians 3:13 we are told to, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This is a powerful challenge for the follower of Christ. When we understand the depth of God’s gift of grace and forgiveness experienced through the cross, we are often overwhelmed with gratitude and awe. Therefore, it can be hard for us to imagine ever being able to forgive another person in the same way that we have been forgiven. 

Not able

That is a reasonable concern. You and I are not capable of acts of grace and mercy that come anywhere near to the depth and significance of the cross. This calling to forgive can seem beyond us, something that we will never be able to experience. 

Example

On September 21, 2025, I witnessed an example of this kind of Christ-inspired forgiveness that I want to highlight today. 

On that day, Erika Kirk, widow of slain Christian leader, Charlie Kirk, shared a message that demonstrated the meaning and power of the message from Colossians 3:13. On that day, Erika spoke clearly about the necessity of faith in Christ, the certainty of eternal life for those who have faith in Jesus, and she also spoke some of the most powerful words any human being can ever speak. 

She took that opportunity to offer up her forgiveness to the man who purposefully murdered her husband and the father of her small children. This was a powerful message. If you have not watched it, see the link to a short clip here.

Explanation

Erika followed her message of forgiveness with an explanation. She made it clear that her forgiveness followed in the footsteps of Jesus Christ, who, while hanging on the cross, looked at those who cheered and celebrated his death, and he forgave them. 

Erika also went on to say that she knew that her husband had been so changed by the work of Jesus Christ that he, too, if he were able, would also choose forgiveness and love over bitterness and hate. 

Erika Kirk, filled with the power given to her by the Holy Spirit, demonstrated the significance of real forgiveness. Because Jesus Christ had forgiven her for her sins, she, too, was ready and able to forgive the one who sinned against her. 

Example

I want to leave you with the words of Jesus Christ, who, facing his own executioners, set the example of grace and love when it cost him the most. 

32 Two other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. 33 When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left. 34 Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” And they divided up his clothes by casting lots.  

(Luke 23:32-34 NIV11)

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ, thank you. Thank you for choosing forgiveness. Thank you for forgiving me for my acts of evil, selfishness, and stupidity. I deserve the punishment that should have been poured out over me because of my sin, but you, in your grace, bore the cost in your own body. Thank you, Lord. Your forgiveness and mercy overwhelm me. 

PASTOR RYAN LADEN

Senior Pastor at PARK HILL BAPTIST CHURCH

Worked at MTN. CHURCH

Former Senior pastor at Warnbro Community Church

Studies at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary

Studied at Baylor University

Studied at Texas Tech University

Went to Castle Hills First Baptist

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