Hello ,
Forgiveness is such a beautiful word—until you're the one who is tasked with being asked to extend it to someone who has truly hurt you!
Let me tell you a quick story:
Years ago, a woman named Anna sat across from her sister in a coffee shop. They hadn’t spoken in nearly three years—not since a painful falling out over a family inheritance. Words had been said that couldn’t be unsaid, and pride had built a wall between them that seemed insurmountable.
That day, Anna had come, not to rehash the past, but to say two simple words: “I’m sorry.” She didn’t know how her sister would respond. But after a long silence, her sister reached across the table, grabbed Anna’s hand, and said, “I’ve missed you.” The past hadn’t vanished, but something holy had happened. Forgiveness had begun its quiet, healing work.
Forgiveness isn’t easy—it never is. It asks us to release our right to hurt someone back. But Jesus didn’t give us the option to withhold forgiveness. He commanded it, not just for the sake of others, but for our own hearts. As Paul reminds us in Ephesians, we forgive “just as in Christ God forgave you.”
That’s the key: we forgive because we’ve been forgiven.
When we look to the cross, we see the ultimate act of forgiveness. Jesus didn’t wait for us to apologize or make things right—He forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). When we truly grasp the depth of that grace, it softens our hearts toward those
who have wronged us.
Forgiveness is not the same as forgetting, nor does it mean trust is instantly restored. But it does mean that we no longer hold the offense as a weapon. It means choosing mercy over bitterness, and peace over pride.
If there’s someone in your life you’re struggling to forgive, let me encourage you to take it to the Lord today. Ask Him for the strength to release the hurt, even if it’s just the first step.
Remember, forgiveness is a process—and Jesus walks with us every step of the way.
Have a great day and God bless!
Pastor Mike / The Open Word
