The Gift of Forgiveness: Lessons from a Chicken

Pecking Less, Forgiving More

My Dear Althea and Cordelia,

Forgiveness isn’t always easy—especially when someone ruffles our feathers. 🐔 Have you ever watched a chicken get a little too feisty over a handful of feed or its spot on the roost? They peck, squawk, and flap, only to forget about it moments later and go about their day.

It’s funny how much we can be like them, isn’t it? Maybe someone says something hurtful, and though we smile on the outside, inside we’ve "pecked them three times." But God calls us to something greater than just reacting—He calls us to forgive.

Colossians 3:13 says:
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."

Let’s take a lesson from the coop and explore what forgiveness really looks like.

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Lessons from the Chicken Coop

1. Recognize Our Instincts
   Chickens have an instinct to defend their space, and sometimes, we do too. When someone wrongs us, our first reaction might be to peck back—whether through words, attitudes, or holding a grudge. But recognizing this instinct helps us choose a better response.

2. Choose Forgiveness
   Chickens may bicker, but they don’t hold grudges. A few moments later, they’re scratching the dirt side by side again. We have a choice: to hold onto bitterness or to release it. Jesus, who forgave even from the cross, empowers us to do the same.

3. Find Peace in Grace
   Unforgiveness weighs us down. When we let go, we make space for God’s peace to take over. Just like a chicken who shakes off a dust bath and keeps moving, we are called to release the weight of resentment and walk in grace.

4. Offer Compassion
   That hen that pecked her neighbor? She was probably just startled or protecting her space. People, too, act out of their own wounds and struggles. Seeing others through a lens of compassion instead of offense helps transform our hearts from retaliation to understanding.

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Reflection Questions

• Is there someone in your life you need to forgive, even if just in your heart?

• How does remembering Christ’s forgiveness help you extend grace to others?

• What small act of peace can you choose today instead of reacting in frustration?

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Practical Step for Today

Write down the name of someone you’ve struggled to forgive. Pray over it, asking God to help you release any bitterness. If you feel led, take a step toward reconciliation—whether it’s a kind word, a silent prayer, or simply letting go of the resentment in your heart.

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Let’s Pray

Heavenly Father,

Thank You for the lessons You weave into all of creation—even in the simple ways of a chicken. Help us to see where we are holding onto grudges and give us the strength to release them. Just as You have forgiven us, let us extend that same grace to others. Teach us to peck less and love more, walking in the freedom of Your peace.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Decree and Declare

I decree and declare that I will walk in forgiveness, letting go of bitterness and embracing the peace that Christ gives me.