October 5 - Choose Grace Over Grudges

OCTOBER 5 - Choose Grace Over Grudges3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 25:8–10; John 5//3-Year Bible Devotional Book (Year Two) Available on Amazon//________________________________________“Do not hastily bring into court, for what will you do in the end, when your neighbor puts you to shame? Argue your case with your neighbor himself, and do not reveal another's secret, lest he who hears you bring shame upon you, and your ill repute have no end.” — Proverbs 25:8–10 (ESV)“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever hears my word and believes him who sent me has eternal life. He does not come into judgment, but has passed from death to life.” — John 5:24 (ESV)________________________________________Have you ever been in an argument where your first reaction was to “prove” you were right—maybe blasting someone on social media, telling a bunch of friends, or even plotting payback? Proverbs 25:8–10 warns us about rushing into conflict, reminding us that trying to expose someone can backfire and bring us shame instead. But then in John 5:24, Jesus points us to a different way: through Him, we’ve already passed from judgment into life. That means we don’t have to live with bitterness, grudges, or the need to “win” every fight. We can live with grace because we’ve received grace.For teens, this is huge. Whether it’s school drama, sports rivalries, or even family tensions, the pressure to stand your ground can feel overwhelming. But Jesus calls us to something greater—not weakness, but strength that chooses peace over pride, and forgiveness over revenge.________________________________________THINK ABOUT IT1. Pause Before You React: How do you normally respond when someone wrongs you—do you react quickly, or do you take time to cool down and pray? (Proverbs 25:8–10)2. Live Free in Christ: If Jesus has already taken away judgment and given you eternal life, how does that free you from always needing to “win” arguments? (John 5:24)3. Grace is Strength: How can choosing forgiveness instead of grudges actually show more strength than holding onto anger?________________________________________BOTTOM LINEBecause Jesus has given us life and freedom, we can let go of grudges and choose grace instead of revenge.________________________________________PRAYERHeavenly Father, thank You for the grace and forgiveness You’ve shown me through Jesus. Help me to slow down, think, and respond with wisdom when I feel wronged. Give me the courage to choose grace over grudges, and to reflect Your love even in tough situations. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.