This year, 2026, is the time to seek forgiveness.

I encourage everyone to not only ask for forgiveness from the Lord for our sins but also to forgive others for any harm they may have caused.

Ephesians 4:31-32 NLT:

“Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, slander, and all kinds of evil behavior. Instead, be kind, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness:

1 John 1:5-9 NIV:

“This is the message we heard from him and declare: God is light; in him there is no darkness. If we claim to have fellowship with him but walk in darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth. But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin. If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

When we consider how God forgives us, we see that forgiveness goes beyond our understanding—it also involves forgetting. God forgives and forgets, and He wants us to do the same. I have been guilty of forgiving and then bringing up the past. I suspect you might have done the same.

True forgiveness means you no longer accusingly mention the past. When you truly forgive, unforgiveness no longer controls you or hampers your spiritual growth. Forgiveness is not only for the one you forgive; it is for your spiritual development.

Let 2026 be a year of intentional forgiveness releasing ourselves from the chains of vindictiveness. In doing so, we move from darkness into light. Our bonds as a family/community are rooted not just in our relationships with each other but also in our relationship with God. Fellowship is not only with God; it is also with family and community.

One of my mother’s famous quotes was, “There’s no time like now.”

Seek God’s forgiveness and forgive others—this process goes hand– in–hand. You cannot expect God’s forgiveness if you have not forgiven others.

Join me, 2026 is our time for restoration and greater spiritual growth. It is ours for the taking, God is waiting.