Who Do You Need to Forgive Today?
Justine writes: Imagine you can’t eat gluten—no cakes, no bread, no pasta. Then one day, you discover a bakery that makes scrumptious gluten-free treats that taste almost as good as the real thing. You even find a lamington that’s dense, chocolatey, and fluffy. Yummy! But just as you’re about to enjoy it, a very cute two-year-old toddles over and eats half of it!
That kind of situation is easy to forgive—after all, it was just an innocent accident. But what about the times when forgiveness doesn’t come so easily?
What about when the hurt runs deep?
What if you need to forgive someone for causing deep emotional pain?
First, dear brothers and sisters, remember this: you are fearfully and wonderfully made, created in the image of God. You are deeply loved.
Forgiveness is a choice—it’s not about feelings but about surrender. When you forgive, you’re not saying what happened was okay. You’re entrusting it to God, our refuge and strength (Psalm 46:1).
Forgiveness is at the heart of the gospel. We forgive because we were first forgiven (Ephesians 4:32).
If someone comes to mind as you read this, take time to pray through these prompts:
- Remember God’s forgiveness (Ephesians 1:7; Ephesians 4:32). Reflect on the grace you’ve received—God’s forgiveness.
• Choose to forgive (Matthew 18:21–22). Forgiveness is a decision, not a feeling. Ask God to help you forgive.
• Depend on God (Colossians 3:12–13; 1 Peter 5:7). You don’t have to do it alone. Cast your burden on Him.
• Pray for the one who hurt you (Matthew 5:44). Ask God to bless them and work in their life. Prayer changes hearts—yours included.
• Healing and peace (Philippians 4:7; Psalm 147:3). Ask God to heal you and give you peace. Let God’s peace guard your heart. His healing is deeper than your hurt.
• Commit to ongoing forgiveness (Matthew 18:21–22). Sometimes forgiveness is a process. Keep choosing to forgive each time the pain resurfaces.
Forgiveness may not be easy, but by God’s grace, it is possible.
Friends, I (Emma) am thankful for this reminder about forgiveness. It is one of the hardest commands Jesus gives us, and yet it is also one of the most freeing. We live in a world where people hurt one another—sometimes carelessly, sometimes deeply. If we’re honest, we all know the temptation to hold on to bitterness or to nurse a wound because it feels safer than letting go. But unforgiveness doesn’t protect us—it imprisons us.
The cross of Jesus changes everything. At the cross, we see the full weight of sin and the fullness of God’s mercy. He did not excuse our sin, but He dealt with it—once and for all—through Christ’s sacrifice. Because of that, we are both forgiven and freed to forgive.
So perhaps today you are carrying something heavy. Perhaps a name or situation has already come to mind. Don’t push it aside. Bring it to God in prayer. Lay down your hurt before Him. Ask for His Spirit’s strength to choose forgiveness, and keep choosing it each time the pain resurfaces.
Forgiveness may feel impossible, but the risen Christ lives in you. And with Him, what feels impossible becomes possible.
