Day Four: Renew Your Mind Daily

Focus Scripture

Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will. Romans 12: 2 (NIV)

Devotion

Do you think about what you are thinking about? The average human brain has more than 6,000 thoughts a day. For someone struggling to forgive there is a large probability that some of those thoughts are replays of painful words. 

Even when we purpose to forgive, the mind does not forget. Words have a tendency to get lodged deep within our short and long-term memory, and then we replay them in our minds. We hear the words we said and the ones we didn’t think to say. We hear arguments and offensive statements. Sometimes, after we have forgiven someone, we find ourselves needing to forgive what we already forgave all over again. 

This is the mental game we may have a tendency to play when it comes to forgiveness, but this is no way to live. Vacillating back and forth between “I forgive you” and “I don’t forgive you” is exhausting. God, knowing the frailty of the human mind, inspired the apostle Paul to pen the words of Romans 12:2.  These words serve as a road map on our journey to forgive.  

Here Paul is essentially admonishing us not to do what everyone else does when it comes to our minds. We do not have to live as the world lives. We can choose to think differently.

If we apply this scripture to the topic of forgiveness we do not have to spend our days replaying hurtful words. We do not have to hold onto unforgiveness. Paul reminds us that there is a better way.  He says instead of focusing on your pain you can change your thoughts by renewing your mind with the word of God. 

This is because God’s word is not a compilation of encouraging stories and positive affirmations; it is far greater than that. The Bible tells us in Hebrews 4:12 that: “The word of God is alive and active sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” God’s word is a powerful tool. We can recite, memorize, read, and study these pages of scripture until they become the truth we live out. With these words, we can combat the contradictory thoughts that occupy space in our brains.

When we rely and depend on scripture, we are infusing the power of God into our thought life. 

He is able to stop us from perpetually reliving painful words in our minds. He is able to align our thoughts with His so that we can live a lifestyle of forgiveness. Make the choice to renew your mind. I dare you!

Reflective Questions

What truths do I need to memorize? How might memorizing God’s word help me to forgive?