Scripture Reading:
“But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” — Matthew 6:15
Let’s get real for a moment. Forgiveness isn’t easy. It’s not neat or tidy. It’s messy, it’s painful, and sometimes it feels downright impossible. Especially when the hurt is fresh, and the wound is still wide open. Like when you’re left out of something important or fun, and the ache of rejection stings every time you think about it.
Myself, I am dealing with it this week and in most circumstances, I would have cut ties. In the case; not so easy, nor do I want to cut and run. I have to continue on and pray for grace and discernment for the future. Cutting out would be more messy than shifting expectations.
I get it. You’re hurt. You’re angry. And forgiveness feels like letting someone off the hook for hurting you, especially if they never discuss it. But here’s the thing: forgiveness isn’t about pretending the pain didn’t happen, and it’s definitely not about saying what they did was okay. Forgiveness is about freedom—yours, not theirs.
Jesus knew this. He knew what it meant to be betrayed, left out, and hurt by the people closest to Him. Judas, one of His own disciples, betrayed Him with a kiss. And yet, Jesus still broke bread with him at the Last Supper. He knew Judas’s heart, and He still loved him. That kind of love and grace? It’s not natural—it’s supernatural.
But here’s the good news: we don’t have to muster up that kind of forgiveness on our own. God isn’t asking us to do something He hasn’t already done for us. He’s forgiven us for every wrong, every betrayal, every time we’ve fallen short. And because we’ve been forgiven so much, we’re called to extend that forgiveness to others.
So, how do we forgive when we don’t feel like it?
- Start by asking God for help. Be honest with Him. Tell Him you’re hurt, and you don’t know how to let it go. Ask Him to soften your heart and give you the grace to forgive.
- Remember Jesus’s example. He forgave those who betrayed Him, mocked Him, and nailed Him to a cross. If He can forgive that, He can help us forgive too.
- Take one small step. Forgiveness doesn’t have to happen all at once. Maybe it starts with a prayer for the person who hurt you. Maybe it’s choosing not to replay the offense in your mind. Maybe it’s just deciding not to let bitterness take root in your heart.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean you have to trust someone right away or even let them back into your life. Boundaries are healthy and necessary. But forgiveness does mean releasing the hold that hurt has on your heart. It’s about choosing freedom over resentment.
And here’s the thing: forgiveness isn’t a feeling; it’s a choice. You may not feel like forgiving today, and that’s okay. But when you choose to forgive, even when it’s hard, you’re making room for God’s healing and peace to flow into your life.
Prayer:
God, this is hard. I’m hurt, and I don’t know how to move forward. But I know You’ve forgiven me for so much, and I want to extend that same grace to others. Please help me forgive, even when it feels impossible. Soften my heart, heal my hurt, and lead me in Your way of love and peace. Amen.
Reflection:
Who do you need to forgive today? Take a moment to ask God for the strength to begin the process. It’s okay if it takes time. Forgiveness is a journey, but it’s one worth taking.