{"id":13999,"date":"2026-07-10T16:13:32","date_gmt":"2026-07-10T20:13:32","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.alleluia.nyc\/?page_id=13999"},"modified":"2026-08-02T08:28:55","modified_gmt":"2026-08-02T12:28:55","slug":"july-2026-forgiven-first-the-beautiful-power-of-mercy-healing-and-grace","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.alleluia.nyc\/?page_id=13999","title":{"rendered":"July 2026: The Beautiful Power of Forgiveness"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t
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\"Weekly Challenge\" July 2026: The Beautiful Power of Forgiveness<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t
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Week Beginning July 26, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Forgiveness in Our World<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Forgiveness shines the light that casts out the darkness of evil in this world. \u201cDo not repay anyone evil for evil; be concerned for what is noble in the sight of all. If possible, on your part, live at peace with all\u201d (Romans 12:17-18). As we embrace forgiveness as our means to \u201cconquer evil with good\u201d (Romans 12:21), it is important to understand the relationship between good and evil.<\/h6>
The nature of God and all of His creation is good: \u201cGod is light, and in him there is no darkness at all\u201d (1 John 1:5). Evil is not a creation of God but a privation of good. A privation goes beyond the simple lack of something. It is the absence of something that would normally be included in the nature of a thing. As such, good can exist without evil, but evil per se<\/em> cannot exist without good.<\/h6>
\u201cGod created mankind in his image\u201d (Genesis 1:27). Therefore, our human nature is created to achieve goodness. Free will allows us to cooperate with God\u2019s grace in a properly-ordered world or to reject His gifts when we lose our way. Despite our flaws and trials after Original Sin, we do not become totally evil beings when we choose to engage in evil actions. We struggle as a community of sinners which hopes to become a community of saints through God\u2019s loving mercy. Recognizing that our sin precedes our redemption, we challenge ourselves to overcome temptation and to forgive trespasses. \u201cBe sober and vigilant. Your opponent the devil is prowling around like a roaring lion looking for [someone] to devour. Resist him, steadfast in faith, knowing that your fellow believers throughout the world undergo the same sufferings\u201d (1 Peter 5:8-9).<\/h6>
As Christians, we believe that every person has inherent dignity and is worthy of respect. In Ephesians, Saint Paul teaches us that Christian readiness for combat is not directed against human beings, but rather against the spiritual powers of evil. When we \u201cput on the armor of God\u201d (Ephesians 6:10-17), we attempt to love the sinner and \u201chate\u201d the sin. Despite the fact that our world is filled with temptations and injustices, that privation called evil could not exist if the underlying nature of creation were not good. To conquer evil, we fill its dark hole with the radiant goodness of forgiveness and love. When we turn our focus toward God, we shift our gaze away from our trials toward His ultimate goodness.<\/h6>
Although God does not create evil, He permits it to bring about a greater good. \u201cEven though you meant harm to me, God meant it for good, to achieve this present end\u201d (Genesis 50:20). Individually and as a faith-based community, we take the first step to overcome evil and promote the conversion of sinners with the goodness of prayer. Just as Jesus Christ offers his mercy to cleanse us of our sins, we offer our forgiveness for the benefit of our neighbors and ourselves. Through the process, we are strengthened by grace, and we grow together in peace.<\/h6>
This week, think about how you can love the sinner even if you \u201chate\u201d their sin. Try to find common ground and shared humanity with those whom which you disagree. If you cannot do anything physically to remedy the ills of society, turn to prayer. Prayer is our fortress of defense against the wickedness and snares of the devil. When we turn to God in praise and thanksgiving, evil loses its hold and power over us. \u201cEvil will slay the wicked; those who hate the righteous are condemned. The\u00a0Lord\u00a0is the redeemer of the souls of his servants; and none are condemned who take refuge in him\u201d (Psalm 34:22-23).<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Week Beginning July 19, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Forgive Others<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
In order for us to become forgiving people, we have to set aside our cultural tendencies toward judgement. Jesus vividly illustrates the hypocrisy of our eagerness to judge others in the following passage: \u201cStop judging, that you may not be judged. For as you judge, so will you be judged, and the measure with which you measure will be measured out to you. Why do you notice the splinter in your brother\u2019s eye, but do not perceive the wooden beam in your own eye? How can you say to your brother, \u2018Let me remove that splinter from your eye,\u2019 while the wooden beam is in your eye? You hypocrite, remove the wooden beam from your eye first; then you will see clearly to remove the splinter from your brother\u2019s eye\u201d (Matthew 7:1-5).<\/h6>
Saint John similarly recalls, \u201cLet the one among you who is without sin be the first to throw a stone at her\u201d\u00a0(John 8:7) when he describes Jesus\u2019 reaction to the crowd wishing to punish the woman caught in adultery. Understanding the magnitude of our own sin that God has forgiven helps us release others from judgement and show compassion to them when they seek our forgiveness.<\/h6>
Saint Paul provides us with these simple instructions: \u201cPut on then, as God\u2019s chosen ones, holy and beloved, heartfelt compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, bearing with one another and forgiving one another, if one has a grievance against another; as the Lord has forgiven you, so must you also do. And over all these put on love, that is, the bond of perfection. And let the peace of Christ control your hearts, the peace into which you were also called in one body. And be thankful\u201d (Colossians 3:12-15).<\/h6>
For many of us, however, it is not a simple matter to cloak ourselves in those divine qualities and promptly, easily, and joyfully choose the path of forgiveness. In such instances, it is critical that we seek assistance from God through prayer. In the words of Saint John Chrysostom, \u201cNothing, you see, equals prayer. It makes the impossible possible, the difficult easy and the crooked way straight.\u201d<\/h6>
This week, consider if there are any outstanding conflicts that continue to poison your spirit. If you are carrying a burden that is too big or painful to handle on your own, cry out to God. Lay your troubles at His feet, and ask for His help to overcome your hurt and forgive the person who harmed you. Only through God can we grow in the grace necessary to forgive the most heinous acts.<\/h6>
Don\u2019t allow someone else\u2019s transgressions to define the outcome of your life. When you choose forgiveness, you release their hold over you and choose the type of person you would like to become. \u201cDo not return evil for evil, or insult for insult; but, on the contrary, a blessing, because to this you were called, that you might inherit a blessing\u201d (1 Peter 3:9).<\/h6>
Saint Augustine reminds us, \u201cIf you are suffering from a bad man\u2019s injustice, forgive him, lest there be two bad men.\u201d Forgiving someone may be challenging. It may take time. But it opens the pathway toward healing, peace, and growth. By living the way of Jesus Christ, we demonstrate the power of our faith. Through our example, we share that gift with others and allow them to join us on our journey toward redemption. \u201cTrust in the\u00a0Lord\u00a0with all your heart, on your own intelligence do not rely; In all your ways be mindful of him, and he will make straight your paths\u201d (Proverbs 3:5-6).<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Week Beginning July 12, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Ask for Forgiveness<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
\u201cThose who conceal their sins do not prosper, but those who confess and forsake them obtain mercy\u201d (Proverbs 28:13).<\/h6>
We are called to love one another and to follow the example of Jesus Christ. This includes settling our misdeeds toward others: \u201cTherefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift\u201d (Matthew 5:23-24).<\/h6>
Asking for forgiveness challenges us to admit we are wrong and we make mistakes. We are forced to face the person or people who suffered the most from our actions. When we place ourselves at the mercy of others, we expose ourselves to rejection or counter attacks. Yet in our vulnerability and human weakness, God sees divine strength: \u201cFor everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted\u201d (Luke 14:11).<\/h6>
As we prepare to seek forgiveness, we begin with prayer. We ask God to forgive our transgressions and to reveal all aspects of the harm we have caused. We pray to learn from the situation, so that our sins gain meaning. We ask for a willing heart to apologize and the strength to honestly evaluate our flaws. We ask to grow in our humility, empathy, and compassion. We pray for those we have wronged, so that they may also heal. We pray for a peaceful resolution and for repair to our broken relationships. We thank God for helping us and for all the gifts He gives to us.<\/h6>
With a humble attitude of service, we approach those we hurt to provide a sincere and specific apology. During this process, we place their interests above ours. We give them an opportunity to share with us how they feel and how our actions affect them. Once we understand the amount of suffering we caused, we can pursue their forgiveness. We acknowledge their emotions, empathize with their plight, and accept responsibility for our part in their pain. We explain what happened without making excuses, becoming defensive, or blaming others. We express remorse, offer to make amends, describe our corrective behaviors, and promise to change. We remind them that despite our mistakes, we still value and care about them. As a gesture of goodwill, we offer a good deed or a gift beyond reparations to help console their misfortune.<\/h6>
Some circumstances necessitate special considerations. For example, when the person we harmed is very angry, we may have to wait for an appropriate time to make a full apology. If the situation is volatile, we may consider bringing a third-party peacemaker to help mediate. When the person we hurt is partly responsible for the wrongdoing, we take special care to ensure the apology is not accusatory. In all situations, we make sure our apologies do not cause further harm.<\/h6>
After we extend our regrets, we give the recipient time to process everything. Recognizing that trust is violated, we appreciate that the relationship may change. We accept new boundaries graciously and continue to work toward restoration.<\/h6>
If our apology is not accepted, we answer unforgiveness with love. We know forgiveness is difficult, and wounds take time to heal. We become better people by rectifying our faults, reestablishing communications, rebuilding trust, and avoiding wrongful behaviors.<\/h6>
God can make good out of our sins by helping us learn and grow. \u201cWe know that all things work for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose\u201d (Romans 8:28). This week, think about your past sins with an emphasis on how they may have impacted others. If possible, seek forgiveness. If you are unable to ask for forgiveness, pray for those you have wronged. Consider ways you can help others who may have experienced similar offenses. Explore how you might respond differently in the future.<\/h6>
\u201cCome now, let us set things right, says the Lord: Though your sins be like scarlet, they may become white as snow; Though they be red like crimson, they may become white as wool\u201d (Isaiah 1:18).<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Week Beginning July 5, 2026<\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Forgive Yourself<\/span><\/span><\/strong><\/h6>
Through His mercy and love, God effects a transformation in us that allows us to extend mercy and love to ourselves and to others. The first step to forgiving ourselves is to experience God\u2019s forgiveness. Once we learn how to forgive ourselves, we can seek forgiveness from others.<\/h6>
Self-forgiveness can be an uncomfortable process of honest introspection. We have to take ownership of our behaviors that are not aligned with our values. Was our transgression a mistake of ignorance or a morally-compromised choice? The answer might necessitate changing how we live.<\/h6>
We have to process the past and realistically face how we have harmed others and ourselves. Our unsettling emotions help us understand how our deeds impact others, find meaning in our mistakes, and navigate our future choices. While painful feelings can help our growth, retaining these emotions can inhibit our progress.<\/h6>
Moving through feelings of guilt and remorse actually promotes our healing. Guilt acknowledges our hurtful actions; remorse demonstrates regret and motivates restitution. Both feelings recognize that we are good people who make bad decisions. Both feelings remind us to make more considerate choices in the future. Our failures, shortcomings, embarrassments, and vulnerabilities are humbling opportunities for us to learn and grow from our mistakes. We accept that we are human, and we are not perfect.<\/h6>
Shame and self-loathing, on the other hand, can be destructive. These emotions use the defense of being a bad person to justify our bad behavior. \u201cFor godly sorrow produces a salutary repentance without regret, but worldly sorrow produces death\u201d (2 Corinthians 7:10). Wallowing in self-punishment does not provide comfort to those we offend. Rather, it prevents us from taking responsibility, nurturing through love, and empathizing with others. A more effective penance would be making some form of reparation. Please note that if we feel shame from abuse or trauma that we suffered, we were not in control: it is not our fault<\/em>.<\/h6>
Once we realize how we can move forward, we can stop re-living the event in our heads. We visualize a future free from regret and self-condemnation. Be patient, trusting that time heals. If you find yourself repeating the same offenses, redirect your behavior with prayer. It is always appropriate to ask for God\u2019s help to carry out His will.<\/h6>
This week, challenge yourself with honest reflection regarding your past thoughts and actions. Do you continue to feel guilty about something that happened long ago? Are there any areas where you are having difficulty letting go and moving forward? Do you repeatedly make the same mistakes? Try to critically reconcile your perception of yourself with reality and work through your issues.<\/h6>
Self-forgiveness can reduce anxiety and stress, deepen our sense of compassion, improve our mental attitude, promote healthy relationships, and help us develop as loving and merciful people. We are rewarded with a sense of peace regarding our past and a spirit of hope regarding our future.<\/h6>\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Special Bonus<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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7 Forgiveness Mistakes That Keep Us Stuck<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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(And the Christian Fix for Each One)<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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Forgiveness is one of the most beautiful teachings of the Christian life, but it is also one of the most misunderstood. Click the link below to discover a faith-filled path toward mercy, healing, and peace. This resource includes scriptural references, reflection questions, and prayer prompts to help you move forward with the grace of God.<\/h2>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tJune 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tThis Week<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tAugust 2026<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

“Weekly Challenge” July 2026: The Beautiful Power of Forgiveness Week Beginning July 26, 2026 Forgiveness in Our World Forgiveness shines…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":13964,"parent":0,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"footnotes":""},"class_list":["post-13999","page","type-page","status-publish","has-post-thumbnail","hentry"],"aioseo_notices":[],"aioseo_head":"\n\t\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t\n\t\t