Forgiveness: The Ultimate Superpower

Sometimes, situations don’t happen TO us, but FOR us.

If you live on this planet, there's a good chance that you've been hurt by the actions of others, or by events or situations beyond your control.

I’m no exception.

There were times in my life when I was so deeply hurt by others that I completely shut down, unable to function, and I struggled, really struggled, to forgive.

No, forgiveness is not easy by any means.

To be honest, deep down I knew that I wanted to forgive. I needed to. I didn't want someone else's sins to have power over my mental, physical, and spiritual well-being.

Through my intimate conversations with God, He’s helped me to understand that when situations like this occur, there’s always a reason and a purpose. How we react during these challenges reveals what’s in our hearts. We learn what we’re truly made of, and what we need to adjust and improve going forward.

I used to think that some people were just inconsiderate or even malicious. But through the years, I've changed my perspective.

I’ve learned that sometimes, people hurt others because of past scars. Sometimes, our "enemies" may not have been raised in a loving and nurturing environment and they may lack the ability or capacity to love.

Remember: There are so many people in the world who are hurting and in need of healing.

Sometimes - and let’s be honest - our own mean-spirited actions toward someone may also set off a chain of events. This is one of the reasons it’s so imperative that we think hard before we react to someone, because our words and actions, no matter how big or small, may have far-reaching consequences. The soul that we hurt may hurt another soul in the future because of our actions. Remember, we’re all interconnected.

We must remember that we are all made in the image of God and He loves us all so much.

As I began to exercise my ability to forgive and let things go, over time it got easier to forgive, and the anger, hatred, and bitterness that threatened to grip my heart were rendered powerless every time.

It can be SO EASY to hate - anyone can hate - but it takes real strength to forgive.

Without our willingness to choose forgiveness, to choose love, to choose life, this world and everything in it would die. If we all choose to hate and remain angry with one another, the world will slowly wither away. Truly consider this.

When you’ve been wronged by someone, you have to forgive, not only for your well-being and peace of mind, but to enable our heavenly Father to work things out on your behalf. After all, it is written in the Scriptures: Vengeance belongs to God (Romans 12:19).

If you harbor unforgiveness in your heart, it will begin to “poison” other areas of your life, and you may block the flow of your blessings. Being a slave to our sins is not the abundant life our heavenly Father desires for us.

Forgiveness is NOT of this world. It’s the manifestation of pure and divine love.

It’s a tool of the righteous - it’s how the true children of light uphold and sustain the world.

When you exercise your ability to forgive, you break the bonds of this worldly system, in favor of the divine realm. Your true man, the spirit man, the eternal man, begins to flourish and become stronger.

Brothers and sisters - anger, hatred, bitterness, jealousy, envy, unforgiveness-should not be found among us.

We will never transition to the next world carrying the mindset and burdens of this one.

Let’s continue to be examples of the deep love and compassion exhibited by our Lord Jesus Christ.

A Prayer for Forgiving Others and Ourselves

Merciful Father,

You know the wounds I carry, the words and actions from the past that have cut deep. You know the mistakes I cannot seem to let go of. Sometimes forgiveness feels too heavy for me.

Yet, You remind me in Your Word to “be kind and compassionate, forgiving one another, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Lord, I want to live in that freedom. (Ephesians 4:32)

My heart is weighed down with anger, sorrow, and even shame. Yet, You remind me that You are a compassionate Father, who knows how fragile I am, who remembers I am dust. (Psalm 103: 13-14)

Thank You for Your tenderness toward me, even when I struggle to be tender toward myself or others.

Jesus, You showed the greatest example of forgiveness on the cross when You prayed “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Help me to lean on Your strength when my own heart resists. I can’t do this alone, but with You, I can take one step closer to grace. (Luke 23:34)

And when I struggle to forgive myself, remind me that if I confess my sins, You are faithful and just to forgive me and to cleanse me from all unrighteousness. What You have forgiven, I no longer need to carry. (1 John 1:9)

Lord, Your Word calls me to forgive as You have forgiven me. That feels impossible at times, but I believe that with Your Spirit working in me, even hardened places in my heart can soften. (Colossians 3:13)

Teach me to release bitterness and shame into Your hands. Replace them with peace that surpasses understanding. May Your grace be sufficient for me, and may Your power be made perfect in my weakness. (2 Corinthians 12:9)

Father, I choose today to take small steps to trust You with my pain and my past. Heal what is broken in me, teach me to walk in freedom, and let forgiveness - both given and received -become a river flowing through my life.

In Jesus’ name,
Amen.

Are you struggling to forgive someone?

Are you struggling to forgive yourself for past mistakes/choices?

Do you find it difficult to let go of the past?

Would you like to become a part of the Kingdom and receive the free gifts of grace, forgiveness, and eternal life from our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ?

How can I pray for you today?