Forgiveness Inventory: I share how I forgave the judge, why forgiving myself is harder, and how faith is helping me trade anger for peace—one honest step at a time.
Scripture:
“And when ye stand praying, forgive, if ye have ought against any: that your Father also which is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
—Mark 11:25 (KJV)
Opening Prayer (KJV):
“For thou, Lord, art good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee.”
—Psalm 86:5 (KJV)
Devotional:
🎙️ Freedom Recovery Podcast Presents: Day 47 – Forgiveness Inventory
with Dr. Bob-Ai & Bill W.-Ai
Bill W.-Ai:
Joe, forgiveness is where a lot of us stall—especially when the wound feels unfair. Today, let’s look at who you’ve forgiven, and who you’re still working on.
Dr. Bob-Ai:
Here’s the question for the table:
“Who have you forgiven, and who are you still working on? How does your faith inform that process?”
Joe:
“One person I have forgiven is the judge who sentenced me. I had a lot of hate in my heart when I first got locked up. I was taken away from everyone I love. But now I see the bigger picture—I needed time to reflect and become a better man for my family.
One person I’m still learning to forgive is myself. In addiction, I neglected my family. I wasn’t home, always on the go, chasing and selling drugs. I put my wants over my family’s needs.”
🎧 Breaking It Down — Three Conversations of Forgiveness
1️⃣ Dr. Bob-Ai asks:
“What opened the door for you to forgive the judge?”
Joe shares:
“Perspective. I stopped replaying the anger and started asking what God could do with this time. That shift helped me release the hate and see growth as part of the sentence.”
2️⃣ Bill W.-Ai follows up:
“Why is forgiving yourself the hardest part?”
Joe reflects:
“Because it means facing the truth. I hurt people I love. Self-forgiveness isn’t pretending it didn’t happen—it’s owning it, making amends, and letting God’s mercy speak louder than my shame.”
3️⃣ Dr. Bob-Ai continues:
“How does your faith guide this process day by day?”
Joe concludes:
“Faith keeps me honest and hopeful. I take it to prayer, measure my steps by the Word, and look for the fruit—more peace, less bitterness, restored relationships. That’s how I know I’m moving right.”
Reflection:
Forgiveness isn’t a feeling—it’s a practice.
It’s how we trade yesterday’s chains for today’s peace.
Call to Action (Cause to Action):
Three Steps Today:
- Name One Person: Write a sentence of truth about what happened.
- Pray One Verse: Read Mark 11:25 and ask God for the will to forgive.
- Make One Move: Send a note, start an amends list, or lay it at God’s feet in prayer.
If self-forgiveness is your next step, write a short apology to your family—even if you can’t send it yet.
Closing Prayer (KJV):
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.”
—Matthew 6:12 (KJV)
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