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What does true, godly forgiveness look like?
Forgiveness
“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
– Ephesians 4:32
Forgiveness can feel like an impossible mountain to climb, especially when the wound is deep. But God's Word is clear—forgiveness isn't a feeling, it's a command. And it's not just for the sake of the other person—it's for your freedom too.
Jesus, in His mercy, forgave us before we ever asked. He bore our sin, our shame, and every offense we would ever commit. When we truly grasp the weight of that grace, we begin to understand why we’re called to forgive others. The Word says in Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us."
Forgiveness doesn’t mean the hurt didn’t happen. It means we choose to release our "right" to hold it against someone. It means trusting God to be the Judge and the Healer. It means following Jesus’ example—even from the cross, He said, "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing" (Luke 23:34).
Let us step into freedom by releasing the bitterness and any unforgiveness we’ve held onto. Forgiveness may not change the past, but it will surely change your heart. If you want to know one of the enemies biggest tactics, it's in this heart stance. Unforgiveness leaves the door open for bitterness and entanglement with the enemy.
A great practice for walking into freedom in this area is to do this with every person you need to forgive (including yourself!!). First, seek the Lord's presence. The Word says in Psalm 145:18 "The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth". He is near to you! Next, imagine your heart as a prison cell & the person who hurt you is locked up in that cell. Only you hold the key to releasing them from that place, and you long to be obedient to what the Lord is commanding you to do--forgive. As you approach the cell you see them covered in a filthy coat, tattered and torn (this coat is a symbol of the sin they have committed against you). There is a box sitting next to them on the floor that is filled with shrapnel (all of the things they have done against you). You unlock the cell and remove the coat from them. Grab the box of shrapnel and now the best part...you get to lead them out of your heart. As you do, imagine walking them to the Throne of Jesus, right where they belong. They are His to deal with! Now you give Him the box and ask Him, "is there anything else that needs to go in here, am I truly forgiving this person from my heart?". Matthew 18:35 says "...This is how my Heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.". Guess what? He will show you if there is more shrapnel & He will show you if you are truly forgiving this person. What a beautiful and healing way to forgive!
We believe in this so much that we are inviting you to reach out and seek prayer with us if you need it--If this seems too hard or daunting please know we are here to encourage you. My testimony includes years of abuse - sexual, physical and emotional and I guarantee you - forgiveness and healing IS possible!
More verses to meditate on:
• Matthew 6:14 – “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.”
• Colossians 3:13 – “Bear with each other and forgive one another... Forgive as the Lord forgave you.”
• Mark 11:25 – “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them...”. We must come before The Father with clean hearts.
PRAYER:
Father, help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Heal the broken places in my heart and remind me that letting go is not weakness—it is obedience. Give me the grace to extend mercy where it’s undeserved, just like You did for me. In Jesus name, Amen.
Reflection Questions:
1. Is there someone I need to forgive today?
2. What has holding onto bitterness cost me?
3. How has God’s forgiveness impacted my life personally?
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