Why Forgiveness is Essential and How to Heal

Forgiveness is a choice we make.

We choose forgiveness because we need to know how much we have been forgiven. In Christ, we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of our sins, through the riches of His grace (Ephesians 1:7). Jesus chose the cross to redeem us because there was no other way for us to be right with the Father.

Furthermore, “if we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). By the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross, God is faithful to stay true to Himself to forgive us when we take ownership of our mistakes. That is good news!

However, the consequences of not forgiving are massive. Jesus says, “For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others, then your Father will not forgive your transgressions.” Matthew 6:14-15

Those are some bold words from our Lord and Savior. We need a healthy fear of the Lord to take His Word seriously and not take this topic lightly. So how do we live in forgiveness?

The difference between forgiveness and healing

Do we just forgive and forget? We can forgive, but it’s nearly impossible to forget. We may never forget the pain. Even when we choose to forgive, it doesn’t mean all the pain is gone. It’s more like when you choose to forgive, you can start the healing process.

When the pain comes up again you are going to have to remind yourself you have forgiven and choose again to not punish that person for what they have done. The pain might come up again later that day (or multiple times throughout an hour). Every time the pain or memory comes up, continue to choose forgiveness.

If you forgive does it mean what the other person did was okay? Far from it. The whole reason you are needing to forgive is that there was an offense that was done.

To live in forgiveness, it is an active, continual choice. It is taking that thought captive to continue to make it obey the truth of God’s Word.

I know, choosing forgiveness is a battle. But it’s a battle that is well worth the fight. The alternative is bitterness and that eats us alive from the inside out. Choose forgiveness. The Holy Spirit (the Helper) is going to help you. Call on Him.

We want to help you choose forgiveness. Schedule your free consultation today.

-Mike and Andrea