The Power of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet liberating acts we can undertake. It's not about excusing harmful behavior or pretending the hurt never happened—it's about releasing the grip that resentment has on our hearts and minds.

When we hold onto unforgiveness, we carry a heavy burden that affects every area of our lives. It colors our relationships, impacts our mental health, and creates barriers between us and God. The person we refuse to forgive may have moved on, but we remain trapped in the past, reliving the pain over and over.

Forgiveness is a process, not a one-time event. It often requires us to choose forgiveness repeatedly, especially when memories resurface or wounds feel fresh again. This is normal and doesn't mean we've failed—it means we're human and healing takes time.

Jesus modeled radical forgiveness, even from the cross. He understood that forgiveness isn't primarily for the benefit of the offender—it's for our own freedom and healing. When we forgive, we're not saying what happened was okay; we're saying we refuse to let it continue to harm us.

Start small. Consider one small hurt you've been holding onto and practice releasing it. Remember, forgiveness is a gift you give yourself, and God is always ready to help you in this process.