Episode Details
Back to Episodes
The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive
Description
When someone breaks a promise or betrays your trust, forgiveness can feel far more difficult than simply saying, “I forgive you.” Laura Bailey shares how a broken confidence left her wrestling with hurt and resentment—and how a rainbow after a summer storm reminded her of God’s faithfulness, forgiveness, and promises.
God remained faithful even when His people were not. Through the rainbow given to Noah and the ultimate promise fulfilled through Jesus Christ, Scripture reminds us that God is faithful to forgive and restore. Remembering how much God has forgiven us can change the way we respond when others hurt or disappoint us, helping us release resentment and pursue peace while still recognizing that forgiveness does not always require reconciliation.
Highlights
- Why broken promises and betrayed trust can make forgiveness difficult
- How a rainbow became a reminder of God's faithfulness
- What Noah's covenant teaches us about God's promises
- How remembering God's forgiveness can help us forgive others
- Why forgiveness doesn't always mean reconciliation
- How healthy boundaries can coexist with forgiveness
- What Romans 12:18 teaches us about pursuing peace with others
Want more encouragement throughout your week? Subscribe to The Good Word, LifeAudio’s free weekly newsletter.
Sign up at LifeAudio.com/thegoodword
Do you want to listen ad-free?
When you join Crosswalk Plus, you gain access to exclusive, in-depth Bible study guides, devotionals, sound biblical advice, and daily encouragement from trusted pastors and authors—resources designed to strengthen your faith and equip you to live it out boldly. PLUS ad free podcasts!
Full Transcript Below:
The Promise That Teaches Us to Forgive
By: Laura Bailey
Bible Reading:
I have set my rainbow in the clouds, and it will be the sign of the covenant between me and the earth. - Genesis 9:13 ( NIV)
I’ll never forget one of the first times I experienced the heartache of someone breaking their promise. As I think back to the day my friend gave away the seat at the lunch table that had been promised to me, it seems so trivial.
While I’ve moved on from past adolescent hurt, the reality is that the painful feelings of broken promises and unmet expectations are present in adulthood. Unfortunately, the stakes are much higher than eating lunch alone. A breach of confidence can lead to family tensions, severed relationships, and future mistrust of people. As an adult, I long for the simplicity of recess drama, where misplaced trust held little consequence.
Recently, a close friend I confided in let slip some details of our conversation to a group of ladies. I’