Discussion Forum

Forgiveness is not just an act, but a profound process that echoes through the entirety of our Christian journey. We often hear the words “forgive as Christ forgave you,” but when faced with deep wounds, forgiving can feel impossible. It’s hard to even imagine extending forgiveness to someone who has hurt us deeply. But when we look at forgiveness through the lens of Christ’s sacrifice, we begin to see its transformative power, not only for those we forgive but for ourselves. When Jesus was on the cross, He asked the Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him—those who were actively causing Him pain. That radical, all-encompassing forgiveness is the model we are called to follow. Jesus didn’t just forgive those who apologized or showed remorse; He forgave even when they didn’t recognize their need for forgiveness. This is where the challenge lies. We may feel justified in our anger, our bitterness, or our desire for revenge. But forgiveness is not about letting others off the hook; it’s about releasing the hold that their actions have on our hearts. Forgiving others frees us from the chains of resentment and bitterness that can poison our souls. Holding on to unforgiveness only deepens the wounds, keeping us trapped in the past. But forgiveness gives us the freedom to move forward, to let go of the hurt, and to live in peace with God and others.