Order the New Kidmin Covenant Reflective Guide, companion to the Kidmin Covenant series.
In John 15, Jesus says, “Remain in me… and you will bear much fruit.” That’s not a suggestion—it’s a lifeline. As a leader, I must remain connected to the Vine. This covenant is my way of staying grafted in. Each commitment is a way to remain rooted in God, nourished by His Word, and guided by His Spirit. Only then will my ministry bear fruit that truly matters.
Covenant Commitment #8:
I will be quick to overlook an offense and even quicker to forgive.
Let’s face it—ministry is full of people. And where there are people, there will be misunderstandings, hurt feelings, awkward comments, and sometimes even betrayal. If we aren’t careful, those moments can build up like plaque around our heart—slowing down the love, the joy, and the peace we’re called to live in.
But Scripture calls us to something higher.
Proverbs 19:11 says, “A person’s wisdom yields patience; it is to one’s glory to overlook an offense.” That’s hard to live out when someone criticizes our leadership, ignores our efforts, or steps on our toes. But we’re not in ministry to defend our pride—we’re in ministry to reflect Jesus.
And Jesus was quick to forgive. In fact, while hanging on the cross, He prayed for His enemies: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” (Luke 23:34) That’s the heart of forgiveness—letting go, even when the other person doesn’t apologize or fully understand the impact of their actions.
Ephesians 4:32 calls us to “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Forgiveness isn’t a feeling—it’s a decision. It’s not about saying what happened was okay—it’s about refusing to let it poison your spirit.
Overlooking an offense doesn’t mean we don’t set boundaries or have tough conversations when necessary. But it means we don’t let minor annoyances or momentary hurts fester into long-term bitterness. When our hearts are full of grace, we’re harder to offend and quicker to move on.
Colossians 3:13 adds, “Bear with each other and forgive one another… Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”That’s a high standard—and one we’ll never reach on our own. But the more time we spend with Jesus, the more we begin to forgive like Jesus.
So the next time someone says something careless, overlooks your contribution, or lets you down—pause. Pray. Let it go. Forgive. Not for their sake, but for yours. Because freedom in ministry often comes not from being right, but from being released—released from resentment, from offense, from the heavy weight of “they owe me.”
We are never more like Christ than when we choose to forgive.
Next: Kidmin Covenant #9 – “I will do everything as if I am doing it for the Lord, because I am.”
We’ll explore how shifting your “why” in ministry transforms even the most ordinary tasks into acts of worship.
