Read this if you’re struggling to forgive
Revenge is easy. Honestly, it almost feels automatic. When someone wounds us, the desire to defend ourselves or get even rises up before we even realize it. But forgiveness? Forgiveness without Jesus is hard. So hard. Because it asks us to loosen our grip on the hurt, even when the hurt feels justified.
But here’s the good news I keep coming back to: forgiveness with Jesus is absolutely possible. When we bring Him into the mess, into the disappointment, the sting, the anger, He doesn’t minimize our pain. He meets us in it. And He offers a strength we don’t have on our own.
Scripture reminds us, “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32). And when Jesus was hanging on the cross, He whispered words I still wrestle with sometimes: “Father, forgive them…” (Luke 23:34). If He could pray that in the middle of unimaginable hurt, then He can certainly help us forgive in the places that still ache.
Forgiveness doesn’t mean what happened was okay. It means we’re choosing not to carry what God never asked us to hold. It means we’re letting Him mend our tender hearts in ways revenge never could.
So, friend… if forgiveness feels heavy today, you’re not alone. Let Jesus step in. Let Him help you do what feels impossible.
Reflection Questions
What hurt am I still gripping that Jesus is gently asking me to release?
What would it look like to invite Him into that specific place of pain?
Who might I need to forgive, not for their sake, but for my peace?
Remember:
Forgiveness with Jesus isn’t effortless, but it is freedom.
Recommended Resource
 |
Forgiving What You Can't Forget: Discover How to Move On, Make Peace with Painful Memories, and Create a Life That's Beautiful Again By Lysa TerKeurst / Thomas Nelson Is your mind stuck in overdrive because you repeatedly play back others' offenses? Follow TerKeurst to life-giving freedom! Sharing a step-by-step plan to help you let go of bound-up resentments, she'll teach you what the Bible says about forgiveness, how to disempower triggers hijacking your emotions, move on if a person refuses to change, and more. 256 pages, hardcover from Nelson. |
SAVE ON PINTEREST!
Make sure to check out the podcast
Regina is a writer, former homeschooling mom, and owner of a comfort food catering business. A contributor to several publications, she is also an advocate for young adults with developmental disabilities and serves on the Compel Pro volunteer leadership team. Living in Ohio with her family, she designs Squarespace websites for fellow creatives and spends her free time cheering her sons from the sidelines or sipping tea while chatting about God’s goodness with women.
