Forgiveness: A Gift for the Soul

Forgiveness Definition: the act of releasing resentment or anger toward someone who has wronged you; the choice to pardon as God pardons.

Forgiveness is one of the most misunderstood words in our walk of faith. Many people believe that forgiving means excusing what someone did or pretending it never happened. Some think forgiveness is a gift to the offender—that it’s about letting them “off easy.” But true forgiveness is far more profound. Forgiveness is not about the other person. It is about your heart, your healing, and your freedom.

When we hold on to bitterness, we chain ourselves to the pain of yesterday. Anger and resentment become heavy burdens that weigh down our spirit, robbing us of joy and peace. But when we forgive, we break those chains. We choose to step out of the prison of bitterness and into the freedom of God’s grace.

Scripture tells us in Colossians 3:13: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” Notice that last part: forgive as the Lord forgave you. God’s forgiveness is not reluctant. He doesn’t withhold it until we’ve proven ourselves worthy. Instead, He offers it freely, fully, and forever.

Micah 7:19 paints a powerful picture of this truth: “You will again have compassion on us; you will tread our sins underfoot and hurl all our iniquities into the depths of the sea.” Imagine that—our sins cast into the deepest ocean, never to be seen again. That is the heart of our Father.

And then we look to Jesus, our ultimate example. As He hung on the cross, nails piercing His hands, mocked and abandoned, He uttered words that echo through eternity: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). In His greatest suffering, He chose forgiveness. If Christ could forgive in that moment, what excuse do we have to hold on to unforgiveness in ours?

But here’s the deeper truth: forgiveness is not just about obedience, it’s about transformation. When you forgive, you open the door for God’s healing power to work in you. Forgiveness replaces bitterness with peace, anger with love, and brokenness with restoration. It is less about what you release to them and more about what God releases in you.

Forgiveness changes you.

If you are struggling to forgive, remember that you do not have to do it in your own strength. The same Spirit that empowered Jesus to endure the cross dwells in you. Ask God to soften your heart, to remind you of the forgiveness you’ve received, and to give you the strength to extend that same grace to others.

Today, make the choice to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because you deserve freedom. Forgiveness is God’s pathway to healing, peace, and a closer walk with Him.

Reflection Question: Is there someone you need to forgive today? What burden could you lay down at the foot of the cross if you chose to forgive as Christ forgave you?

Prayer: Father, thank You for the gift of forgiveness. Thank You that through Jesus, my sins are cast into the depths of the sea. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Heal my heart, release me from bitterness, and fill me with Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.