But one thing I do: Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead. – Philippians 3:13

One of the easiest traps to fall into in life is holding a grudge against someone who’s wronged you. If you’ve been wounded, it’s often difficult to forgive!

In elementary schools, you’ll often hear teachers chiding their students, “Eyes forward!” if they aren’t paying attention in class. In the same way, Paul encourages us in today’s verse to look ahead. He reminds us not to focus…not to dwell on…what has already passed.

In friendships or marriages, it can be hard to keep our eyes forward when you see the same behavior repeat itself. However, “forgetting what is behind” is the right thing to do. Even after 30, 40, or 50 years in a relationship, we must practice forgiveness and ask God to help us forget past wrongs.

You and I have two choices in life: We can either live with our eyes looking back and a tight grip on all the wrongs that have been done to us…or we can accept the challenge to forgive, forget, and share the time we have left with those to whom we are closest.

Prayer Challenge: Ask God to help you identify and forgive any longstanding personal wounds and live with “eyes forward.” 

Click here to visit Senior Living Ministry’s website