Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. Forgiveness, however, sets YOU free.
Why Forgiveness is Hard
- The wound is deep
- The offender isn't sorry
- Justice hasn't been served
- The offense keeps repeating
- Pride holds us back
What Forgiveness Is NOT
- Forgiveness is not saying "it's okay"
- It's not forgetting what happened
- It's not trusting the person again immediately
- It's not letting them off the hook
- It's not weakness
What Forgiveness IS
- Releasing the person to God
- Choosing not to hold the offense against them
- Trusting God to be the judge
- Freeing yourself from bitterness
- Obeying God's command
Biblical Foundation
"Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." - Colossians 3:13
"For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." - Matthew 6:14
The South African Journey
Our nation's story includes apartheid, injustice, and pain. Yet forgiveness through the Truth and Reconciliation Commission showed the world another way. The same grace that brought national healing can bring personal healing.
Steps to Forgiveness
- Acknowledge the hurt - Be honest about the pain
- Decide to forgive - It's a choice, not a feeling
- Release them to God - Let God be the judge
- Pray for them - This breaks bitterness's power
- Repeat as needed - Forgiveness may be a process
When Forgiveness Feels Impossible
Remember how much God has forgiven you. The same grace available for your sins is available to help you forgive others.
The Freedom of Forgiveness
When you forgive, chains break. Bitterness loses its power. Peace floods your soul. You're no longer controlled by the past. This is the freedom Christ died to give you.
Today, choose forgiveness. Choose freedom.