
How to Forgive When It Feels Impossible
Paulette Lundy
A deep dive into the process of
forgiveness and why it’s essential, even when it’s hard.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands to follow when we’ve been deeply hurt, but it’s also one of the most powerful acts of love and healing we can offer to ourselves and others. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive someone, and Jesus replies, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Colossians 3:13 encourages us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This doesn’t mean we overlook the wrong done to us, but that we release the pain, bitterness, and desire for revenge because we have been forgiven.
Forgiveness is not merely a one-time decision but a deep, ongoing process that challenges us to confront our pain and release it in light of God’s grace. When forgiveness feels impossible, we must remember that it’s not about excusing or justifying the wrong done to us, but about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and resentment. Ephesians 4:31-32 teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This scripture reminds us that forgiveness is essential not only for the one who wronged us but for our healing.
The process of forgiveness starts with acknowledging the pain and surrendering it to God. It doesn’t mean we deny the hurt or the injustice, but we let go of the need for revenge and trust in God’s justice. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This verse teaches us that forgiving others allows us to hand the situation over to God, who promises to bring justice in His perfect time. Ultimately, forgiveness frees us and opens the door to peace. It reflects Christ’s love, who forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), empowering us to extend the same grace to others, even when it feels impossible. Through prayer, faith, and relying on God’s strength, we can walk the path of forgiveness, finding healing and restoration in the process.
When it feels impossible to forgive, remember that God empowers us to extend that same forgiveness to others. By remembering the depth of God’s mercy, we can let go of resentment and trust that forgiveness leads to freedom and peace in our hearts.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest commands to follow when we’ve been deeply hurt, but it’s also one of the most powerful acts of love and healing we can offer to ourselves and others. In Matthew 18:21-22, Peter asks Jesus how many times we should forgive someone, and Jesus replies, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.” Colossians 3:13 encourages us, “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This doesn’t mean we overlook the wrong done to us, but that we release the pain, bitterness, and desire for revenge because we have been forgiven.
Forgiveness is not merely a one-time decision but a deep, ongoing process that challenges us to confront our pain and release it in light of God’s grace. When forgiveness feels impossible, we must remember that it’s not about excusing or justifying the wrong done to us, but about freeing ourselves from the chains of bitterness and resentment. Ephesians 4:31-32 teaches us to “get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” This scripture reminds us that forgiveness is essential not only for the one who wronged us but for our healing.
The process of forgiveness starts with acknowledging the pain and surrendering it to God. It doesn’t mean we deny the hurt or the injustice, but we let go of the need for revenge and trust in God’s justice. Romans 12:19 says, “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: ‘It is mine to avenge; I will repay,’ says the Lord.” This verse teaches us that forgiving others allows us to hand the situation over to God, who promises to bring justice in His perfect time. Ultimately, forgiveness frees us and opens the door to peace. It reflects Christ’s love, who forgave us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8), empowering us to extend the same grace to others, even when it feels impossible. Through prayer, faith, and relying on God’s strength, we can walk the path of forgiveness, finding healing and restoration in the process.
When it feels impossible to forgive, remember that God empowers us to extend that same forgiveness to others. By remembering the depth of God’s mercy, we can let go of resentment and trust that forgiveness leads to freedom and peace in our hearts.