Learning to forgive others can be one of the hardest but most freeing choices a believer can make. Whether you’ve been deeply hurt, betrayed, misunderstood, or mistreated, the call to forgive is not just a suggestion—it’s a command rooted in Scripture and modelled by Christ Himself. In today’s episode, we take a deep dive into what it truly means to forgive from the heart. Forgiveness isn’t about excusing someone’s behaviour or pretending the pain didn’t happen. It’s about choosing to release that person from the debt they owe you and entrusting justice to God. Learning to forgive others isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a mark of spiritual maturity and freedom. The foundation for this episode comes from Ephesians 4:32, where the Apostle Paul writes:
"Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." This verse reminds us that the reason we forgive isn’t because the other person deserves it—it’s because we didn’t deserve God’s forgiveness either, and yet He gave it freely. As recipients of grace, we are called to extend grace. Why Forgiveness Matters When you hold on to bitterness or resentment, it doesn’t just affect your relationship with the person who hurt you—it also blocks your intimacy with God. Jesus said in Matthew 6:14-15, “If you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” That’s a sobering truth. Learning to forgive others is not just about emotional healing—it’s a spiritual necessity. What Forgiveness Is (And Isn’t) Let’s be clear: forgiveness does not mean you approve of what happened or that you’re saying it didn’t hurt. It doesn’t mean putting yourself back in a toxic or abusive situation. Forgiveness is about releasing the offence to God, so you no longer carry the burden of it. It’s about letting go of your right to retaliate, so you can walk in peace and freedom. Forgiveness doesn’t require reconciliation (although that can happen in some cases). And it doesn’t mean forgetting the pain—it means refusing to let the pain define you. Biblical Examples of Forgiveness Throughout Scripture, we see powerful stories of people who chose to forgive despite enormous pain. Joseph forgave his brothers who sold him into slavery. Stephen, while being stoned, prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60). And most profoundly, Jesus, while hanging on the cross, said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). These are not easy examples to follow—but they show us that learning to forgive others is possible when we rely on God’s strength and perspective. How to Begin Forgiving If you’re struggling to forgive someone, start by being honest with God. He already knows your heart. Ask Him to help you take the first step. Here are a few ways to start: 1. Pray for the person who hurt you. Even if you don’t feel like it. Prayer softens your heart and invites God into the healing process. 2. Speak forgiveness out loud. Say their name. Acknowledge the hurt. And say, “I choose to forgive you.” It’s not about feelings—it’s about obedience. 3. Meditate on God’s forgiveness of you. The more you understand what you’ve been forgiven for, the more empowered you’ll be to forgive others. 4. Seek wise counsel or Christian therapy if your hurt involves trauma or long-term damage. God works through community and professional help. 5. The Freedom in Forgiveness Here’s the truth: the person you refuse to forgive might not even realise they hurt you. They may never apologise. But forgiveness isn’t about them—it’s about your relationship with God and your own peace. Learning to forgive others frees you from being chained to the offence. It clears your heart, restores your focus, and opens your hands to receive God’s grace. Don’t let bitterness rob you of joy or keep you stuck in the past. Forgiveness may not change what happened, but it will change you. Final Thoughts: If you're walking through a season where forgiveness feels impossible, this episode is for you. Join us as we walk through the steps of learning to forgive others, finding strength in God’s Word, and discovering the peace that comes when you let go and let God. Make sure to subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who needs to hear that healing is possible.