“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness can feel impossible at times. When someone deeply wounds us, our hearts may not want to let go of the pain. We may want justice, acknowledgment of the wrong, or for the other person to feel what we’ve felt.
And yet, Jesus calls us to forgive.
Not just once, but “seventy times seven” times (Matthew 18:22). Why? Because it encourages unlimited grace and mercy, mirroring our Heavenly Father’s nature.
Recently, I heard the LORD say “Remember, I forgave when I was on the cross.”
At the heart of the Christian faith is a Savior who, in His final moments on the cross, cried out: “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34)
Jesus extended forgiveness not to the repentant, but to those actively crucifying Him. This is the model we are called to follow! radical, undeserved grace.
Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting
It’s important to understand that forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting the pain or pretending the hurt didn’t happen. It doesn’t excuse wrongdoing or deny justice. But it does release us from the burden of bitterness. It allows God to be the judge, while we walk in peace.
When you remember again, forgive again
Forgiveness is not a one-time event, and it often takes time. But when we open our hearts and say, “God, I can’t forgive this person on my own, but with Your help, I want to,” He meets us there. He softens what is hard, heals what is broken, and restores what was stolen.
A Daily Choice
It may mean choosing not to replay the offense in our minds. It may mean praying for someone who hurt us. It may even mean setting boundaries while still releasing them to God. (In all things, seek the Lord’s heart for guidance.)
Every time we choose forgiveness, we step closer to the heart of God. We learn to love like Jesus. And in that place, we find true freedom. Amen
allgrowtogether, Christian life coaching. 