Have you ever thought about how your words, thoughts, or actions might have hurt someone—even when you never meant to? Sometimes, we move forward, confident that we’ve been forgiven and redeemed, but then God stops us in our tracks to remind us: We are not innocent of everything.
Maybe you spoke out of frustration. Maybe you acted without realizing how it affected someone else. Maybe someone is still carrying pain from something you’ve long forgotten. Some people may never forgive you. Some may try to tarnish your name. But here’s the truth: it’s not your job to control how others respond.
What is up to you is this: Are you willing to let God show you where you still need His grace?
I had to take a hard look in the mirror recently. I wanted to believe I had outgrown my past mistakes—that I was no longer the person who hurt others, whether intentionally or unintentionally. But then God reminded me: Just because you’ve changed doesn’t mean you’re innocent. The Apostle Paul said it best:
“My conscience is clear, but that does not make me innocent.” — 1 Corinthians 4:4
That truth hit me. Hard. I realized that even though I wasn’t walking in the same mistakes as before, I had still left behind wounds. People I had hurt—some knowingly, some without realizing it. And some wounds don’t heal just because we’ve moved on.
One of the hardest lessons in forgiveness is learning to forgive yourself for the things you cannot fix. Every day, I ask God to cleanse my heart of anything I’ve done—whether I know about it or not—that doesn’t honor Him. It’s humbling. It’s necessary.
During my prayer time, God reminded me that forgiveness isn’t just about saying, “I’m sorry.” It’s about being accountable. It’s about looking inward and letting Him prune away the pride, guilt, or shame that keep us from true healing.
That’s when He put this question on my heart:
What if, instead of focusing on how others have hurt you, you let Me show you where you need to grow?
Wow. That was a wake-up call.
See, we spend so much time dwelling on the wounds inflicted by others, but how often do we ask God to reveal where we’ve left scars on someone else?
Jesus didn’t say, “Only forgive the ones who deserve it.” He said: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” — Matthew 5:44. Even as believers, we can be the ones causing pain—sometimes without realizing it. That’s why humility is crucial.
Peter once asked Jesus, “How many times should I forgive my brother who sins against me? Seven times?” Jesus replied: “Not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” — Matthew 18:21-22
Forgiveness is not a one-time event—it’s something we must do over and over. Not just for others, but for ourselves. Maybe you’ve made peace with your past, but someone else is still carrying the pain. Maybe you’ve forgiven yourself, but the enemy keeps whispering that you’re unworthy. Maybe you’re waiting for someone to apologize to you, and it may never happen.
Here’s the truth: Holding onto pain—whether it’s guilt, resentment, or anger—only slows you down.
That’s why God calls us to let go. Not for them. For you.
Sometimes, God sits us down for a serious heart-to-heart. He pulls out the areas in our lives that need correction, conviction, and cleansing. And it’s uncomfortable.
“For the word of God is alive and active, sharper than any double-edged sword; it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” — Hebrews 4:12
God’s process of refining us is like surgery—it’s painful, but it’s life-giving. Over time, we heal, we grow, and we reflect more of His glory. But healing requires surrender. If you’re still holding onto something—a grudge, guilt, shame—it’s time to release it. If you’ve hurt someone, ask for forgiveness. And if you’ve been hurt? Forgive, even if they never apologize.
Jesus asked: “Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye?” — Matthew 7:3
We’re all a work in progress. None of us are without fault. And yet, God’s grace is still big enough to cover everything.
God didn’t just come for you—He came to save the world. And as He calls you higher, He will ask you to leave things behind—resentment, guilt, shame, pride. Anything that keeps you stuck.
If He’s pressing on your heart to make things right, don’t ignore His voice. Maybe it’s reaching out to someone you’ve hurt, offering forgiveness to someone who wronged you, or surrendering your own pain to Him. Whatever it is, let go of what’s weighing you down so you can walk fully in His will.
God is calling you to reflect His love, His mercy, and His grace to a world in desperate need of Him.
Say this prayer with me:
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a humble heart. Forgive me for anything I’ve done—whether I realize it or not—that has hurt You or others. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Help me let go of what is weighing me down so I can walk fully in Your will. Thank You for Your grace, mercy, and love. May my life reflect You in all things.
