Forgive That You Might Be Forgiven

Mon, 19 Jan 2026 18:26:24 GMT

Rooted in Faith, Sustained by Christ

The ability to thrive after surviving an offense is deeply rooted in the foundation of faith and our connection to Jesus Christ. True growth is secured when we remain grounded in His teachings. Love and forgiveness are achievable, though often painful and complicated. They are deliberate decisions—choices that empower us to regain control of our lives when practiced consistently.

Forgiveness may take time, but it is a necessary journey toward healing, freedom, and personal growth.

Forgiveness as a Spiritual Discipline

Forgiveness is not merely a moral obligation; it is a powerful tool for spiritual and personal development. The process often requires revisiting the offensive event and then making the conscious decision to forgive. This step is critical.

Many of us get caught in the cycle of reliving the offense—or avoiding it altogether. Sometimes the memories are too horrific to confront, leaving us stuck at the crossroads of forgiveness and unforgiveness. In other cases, we may not fully understand the importance of forgiveness.

The Bible is clear on this matter. Matthew 6:12 (KJV) reminds us that we are to forgive those who trespass against us so that our Heavenly Father will forgive our trespasses. This verse stands as a cornerstone of the Christian faith and emphasizes that forgiveness is reciprocal.

To be forgiven, we must first learn to forgive others.

The Hostage We Don’t See

None of us are without fault. In some way, form, or fashion, we have all offended someone. Interestingly, when we offend others, we often desire immediate forgiveness. Yet within the confines of our own consciousness, we sometimes hold others hostage by choosing not to forgive.

Our reluctance to forgive often stems from misunderstanding God’s command. Many believe that forgiving someone excuses or releases them from the offense. This is not the case. Forgiveness is a gift you give yourself.

By choosing to forgive, you open a direct path to the Father through Jesus Christ to receive His forgiveness. As the saying goes, unforgiveness is like drinking poison and waiting for the person who offended you to die. The only outcomes of unforgiveness are pain, suffering, stagnation, and separation from God.

The Cost of Unforgiveness

Unforgiveness becomes baggage we carry—breeding anger, bitterness, resentment, and hate. These emotions lead to stress and hinder our spiritual growth. Silence often nurtures this seed of unforgiveness, allowing it to take root in our words, behaviors, and even how we treat ourselves and others.

This was my reality after years of abuse—broken and discarded by those I trusted. I believed there was no fight left in me. Yet the joy of the Lord gave me the strength and the will to live. God graced me with the ability to love even when love was not reciprocated.

Despite my distorted view of love, God knew what He had placed inside me would one day shape my life and transform the woman—and mother—I was destined to be. He gave me purpose by filling me with His everlasting love and a desire to walk in forgiveness.

Letting Go of Old Wounds

Even today, I encounter people who are still angry over offenses that occurred in childhood—events that happened decades ago. I often wonder about the relevance of holding onto something so old, especially when all parties involved have long since moved on.

Too often, we focus solely on the offense, allowing it to dictate our emotions and reactions. But forgiveness is not about how we feel. It is a deliberate decision to let go and move forward.

When we are consumed with the need to be justified, we fail to see the power of forgiveness, the strength found in forgiveness, the freedom it brings, and the beauty that unfolds when we choose to forgive.

Love Above Offense

Matthew 22:37–39 (KJV) instructs us to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul, and mind—and to love our neighbor as ourselves. Forgiveness is essential to fulfilling this commandment.

God calls us to love above offense because vengeance belongs to Him. Love and forgiveness are deeply interconnected, and when we embrace both, we experience their full transformative power.

Forgive—so that you might truly be forgiven, healed, and free.

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Forgive That You Might Be Forgiven

Rooted in Faith, Sustained by Christ