Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts God gives us. It’s not just a way to release others—it’s the way to release yourself from pain, anger, and hurt. When you forgive those who have hurt you—betrayed your trust, broken your heart, or hurt someone you love—you’re choosing freedom for yourself.
Let me be clear: Forgiveness doesn’t mean you forget what happened. It doesn’t mean you’re saying it’s okay. It means you choose to let go of the poison of anger and bitterness. So many people hold onto unforgiveness, not realizing that it traps them in pain and stops them from moving forward in life.
I know this from experience. I haven’t always been the man I am today. I’ve made mistakes—things I regret. I’ve hurt people. But I’ve also been hurt. There were times when I wanted to get back at people who betrayed me or hurt me. I wanted to fight back.
But then I thought about Jesus.
When Jesus was hanging on the cross, He was in unimaginable pain. He had been wrongfully accused and was dying for sins He didn’t commit. Yet, in that moment, He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.”
Let that sink in. Jesus didn’t just forgive those who wronged Him, He prayed for their forgiveness. This isn’t the forgiveness of someone who has a peaceful, easy life. This is the forgiveness of a man who is dying for the sins of the world—yet still, in the midst of His agony, He chooses to forgive.
Holding onto unforgiveness is like drinking poison and hoping it hurts the other person. The truth is, it only hurts you. It keeps you stuck, angry, and trapped. It steals your peace and joy. But the moment you choose to forgive, you can begin to heal and feel free.
I know it’s hard. I know it feels unfair. But forgiveness isn’t about forgetting the hurt. It’s about choosing to free yourself from the pain.
I’ve been there. Before my father passed away, I carried so much bitterness toward him. The words that were left unsaid, the years of pain, the anger I felt... it was killing me. But when I gave my life to Christ, everything shifted. God gave me the courage to face that anger head-on. I had a real conversation with my father, one where I poured out my heart, my hurt, and my forgiveness. And in that moment—when I chose to forgive him—I was freed. Both of us were freed.
Who do you need to forgive? Who do you need to ask forgiveness from?
As long as there is breath in your lungs, there is still time. Forgiveness is hard, but it’s life-changing. When you forgive, you open the door for healing, peace, and freedom. It doesn’t just heal the relationship with the other person—it heals you. It allows you to grow, to move forward, and to experience God’s peace in your heart.
You see, forgiveness isn’t just a choice between you and the person who hurt you. It’s also a choice to trust God. To let Him handle the justice, and to surrender your pain into His hands. When we forgive, we trust that God sees our hurt, He understands our pain, and He will bring healing and justice in His time.
Jesus died for our sins—sins we could never repay. He showed us the ultimate example of forgiveness. When we choose to forgive, we’re following His example and opening our hearts to healing. We stop carrying the weight of bitterness, and we let God replace it with peace.
Don’t wait another day. Don’t let the poison of unforgiveness continue to steal your peace, your joy, and your life. The moment you choose to forgive, God will meet you there, and He will begin to heal the brokenness inside of you.
You’ve got this. And I am so proud of you for making the choice to forgive. Remember, forgiveness is not just a choice; it is a step toward the amazing life that God has for you. So, let go. Release it. And embrace the freedom that comes when you choose to forgive—just as Christ has forgiven you.
