It’s not easy to forgive those who have hurt us.
In fact, sometimes it can be downright hard! Forgiveness flies in the face of what we want to do. It often feels easier to hold onto the pain, resentment, anger, and bitterness than to let it go. But freedom from the weight of it all is so—well—freeing! And that kind of freedom is worth it.

This post is connected to the message I’ll be sharing on Sunday, May 3, 2025. It’s called:
HOW TO FORGIVE SOMEONE WHO HURT YOU.

If you're anything like me, you need to understand the “why” before the “how.”
A doctor can tell me how to stay healthy, but I’m far more motivated if I understand why it matters. So let’s explore the why behind forgiveness first.

WHY SHOULD WE FORGIVE?

Proverbs 27:3 NLT
"A stone is heavy and sand is weighty, but the resentment caused by a fool is even heavier."
→ Resentment is a heavy weight to carry.

Ecclesiastes 5:17 CSB
"There is a sickening tragedy I have seen under the sun: wealth kept by its owner to his harm... He eats in darkness all his days, with much frustration, sickness, and anger."
→ Resentment wreaks havoc on our health.

Hebrews 12:15 NLT
"Look after each other so that none of you fails to receive the grace of God. Watch out that no poisonous root of bitterness grows up to trouble you, corrupting many."
→ Bitterness hurts the people around you.

Ephesians 4:32 NLT
"Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
→ Forgiveness is the model Jesus gave us to follow.

HOW DO WE FORGIVE?

Proverbs 17:9 NLT
"Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends."
→ Stop ruminating on your anger. Invite the Lord into that space instead.

Ephesians 4:31–32 NLT
"Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind... forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you."
→ Respond with grace instead of revenge.

James 1:2 NLT
"Dear brothers and sisters, when troubles of any kind come your way, consider it an opportunity for great joy."
→ Change your perspective from resentment to personal transformation.

Galatians 5:24–25 NLT
"Those who belong to Christ Jesus have nailed the passions and desires of their sinful nature to His cross... Let us follow the Spirit’s leading in every part of our lives."
→ Picture the cross. What pain, injustice, or bitterness do you need to nail there?

OTHER SCRIPTURES TO MEDITATE ON

  • Matthew 6:14–15 CSB
    "For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses."

  • Colossians 3:13 CSB
    "...just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive."

  • Psalm 103:10–12 CSB
    "He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve... as far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us."

  • 1 John 4:20 CSB
    "If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and yet hates his brother or sister, he is a liar."

Scripture is full of verses on forgiveness—because it’s a universal struggle across every generation and culture. Forgiveness is important, and it’s hard.
Let’s be clear: forgiveness isn’t giving someone permission to keep hurting you. It isn’t abandoning boundaries with toxic people.
Forgiveness is a spiritual and emotional release—from the prison we place ourselves in... and sometimes place others in too.

HOPE.

Sometimes the pain runs deep—so deep, it feels like it's become part of who we are. Sometimes we’ve carried it for so long, it seems like we’ll never be able to lay it down.

But God.
He can do the impossible. His power is greater than the offenses we’ve endured and the wounds we carry.

Just ask Him.
Ask Him for help.
Ask Him again and again.
He’s ready.
He’s waiting.