Healing Through Forgiveness: Hope For Difficult Times: Finding Strength Amidst Struggles
“But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
“Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, ‘Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?’ Jesus answered, ‘I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.’” – Matthew 18:21-22
Forgiveness is one of the most challenging and yet one of the most powerful acts we can ever embrace. It is an act that brings freedom to the soul, healing to the heart, and restoration to broken relationships. And yet, it often feels like the hardest thing to do—especially when we have been deeply wounded, betrayed, or wronged.
Many of us carry wounds from the past. Some wounds are fresh, while others have been buried beneath years of pain and bitterness. We tell ourselves that time will heal them, but the truth is, time alone does not heal—God does. And often, healing comes through the act of forgiveness.
The Heart of Forgiveness
At the core of forgiveness is love—God’s love. In His infinite mercy, God chose to forgive us, not because we deserved it, but because He loves us. The Torah teaches us about God’s merciful nature:
“The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin.” – Exodus 34:6-7
God’s forgiveness is not based on our merit but on His love. This is the model we are called to follow.
When Peter asked Jesus how often he should forgive, he likely thought that forgiving someone seven times was generous. But Jesus’ response—seventy-seven times—was not meant to be a specific number. Rather, it was an indication that forgiveness should be limitless, reflecting God’s boundless mercy toward us.
Forgiving others does not mean we excuse their wrongs or pretend that pain does not exist. It means we release them from the debt we feel they owe us, just as God has released us from ours.
The Power of Jesus’ Blood: The Ultimate Act of Forgiveness
The greatest example of forgiveness was demonstrated on the cross. Jesus bore our sins, our shame, and our wounds so that we could be reconciled to God.
“Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.” – Luke 23:34
These words, spoken by Jesus as He was suffering, reveal the depth of His love and mercy. Even in His agony, He chose to forgive those who crucified Him. If Jesus could forgive the very ones who nailed Him to the cross, how much more should we forgive those who have wronged us?
Isaiah prophesied of Jesus’ sacrifice, showing that our healing—both physical and spiritual—comes through His suffering:
“By His wounds we are healed.” – Isaiah 53:5
Forgiveness is not just about freeing others; it is about freeing ourselves. When we refuse to forgive, we remain bound to pain, resentment, and bitterness. But when we choose to forgive, we step into the healing power of Jesus’ blood, which cleanses and restores.
The Torah’s Command to Forgive
Forgiveness is not just a New Testament principle—it is rooted in the Torah as well.
“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against anyone among your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the Lord.” – Leviticus 19:18
The Torah teaches that harboring resentment is destructive, not just to the one who is hated, but to the one who carries the grudge. God calls us to love instead of retaliate, to forgive instead of hold onto bitterness.
Joseph’s story is one of the most powerful examples of forgiveness in the Old Testament. Betrayed by his brothers, sold into slavery, and wrongfully imprisoned, Joseph had every reason to be bitter. Yet, when he was finally in a position of power, instead of seeking revenge, he chose to forgive:
“You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives.” – Genesis 50:20
Joseph saw beyond the offense. He trusted that God was working even through his pain. Forgiveness allows us to do the same—to trust that God can bring good even from the worst situations.
The Role of the Holy Spirit in Forgiveness
Forgiveness is not always easy. Some wounds run deep. Some betrayals leave scars. But we are not called to forgive in our own strength—we have the power of the Holy Spirit.
Before His crucifixion, Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would be their Helper:
“But the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you.” – John 14:26
The Holy Spirit helps us let go of pain, replace bitterness with love, and choose forgiveness even when it feels impossible.
When we struggle to forgive, we can ask the Holy Spirit for help. He softens our hearts, strengthens our resolve, and gives us the grace to release others from their offenses.
Healing Through Forgiveness
Many people believe that holding onto anger protects them from being hurt again. But in reality, unforgiveness is a prison. It keeps us bound to the pain of the past, preventing us from experiencing the peace and joy that God desires for us.
Jesus came to set the captives free—and that includes setting us free from the bondage of resentment.
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. It does not mean allowing someone to continue hurting us. It means entrusting justice to God, surrendering our pain to Him, and choosing to walk in freedom.
When we forgive, we experience healing in our hearts, peace in our minds, and renewal in our spirits.
Steps to Embracing Forgiveness
- Acknowledge the Pain – Be honest with God about how you feel. Healing begins when we bring our wounds to Him.
- Pray for Strength – Ask God for the strength to forgive, even when it feels impossible. The Holy Spirit will help you.
- Remember How Much You Have Been Forgiven – When we reflect on God’s mercy toward us, it becomes easier to extend mercy to others.
- Let Go of the Need for Revenge – Trust that God is just and that He will handle all things according to His perfect will.
- Speak Blessings Instead of Curses – Pray for the person who hurt you. Jesus commanded us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44).
- Release the Offense to God – Forgiveness is a choice. Every time the pain resurfaces, choose to give it to God again.
A Future Filled with Freedom
Dear friend, if you are carrying the weight of unforgiveness, know that Jesus invites you to lay it down. You do not have to bear this burden any longer. Healing is waiting for you.
Through the blood of Jesus, you are forgiven—completely, unconditionally, eternally. Now, He calls you to walk in that same grace.
Choose forgiveness. Choose freedom. Choose healing.
Prayer for Forgiveness
Heavenly Father, I come before You with an open heart. I have been wounded, and I confess that forgiveness feels difficult. But I do not want to live bound by bitterness. Lord, I choose to forgive. I release every offense into Your hands. I trust You with my pain. Holy Spirit, fill me with Your love and help me to walk in the freedom of forgiveness. Thank You, Jesus, for forgiving me first. In Your mighty name, Amen.
