Freedom in Forgiveness

By Jenna Arnold
Director of Digital Outreach

Have you ever held onto a grudge, thinking it would somehow make the other person pay for what they’ve done? It’s a tempting thought, but as the saying goes, “Holding a grudge is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to suffer.” When we hold onto bitterness, the person who gets hurt the most is us. That’s why the Bible calls us to forgive, even when it’s hard. Colossians 3:13 says: “Bear with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive” (ESV).

Forgiveness doesn’t mean pretending the hurt never happened or excusing someone’s wrong behavior. It’s not about forgetting, nor is it about allowing someone to continue to hurt you. Instead, forgiveness is about letting go of the bitterness that weighs us down. It’s about entrusting the situation to God and choosing not to let the offense control us anymore.

When we forgive, we’re not saying the hurt didn’t matter—we’re saying that God’s grace and healing matter more. Forgiveness frees us to move forward, no longer tied to the pain of the past.

I’ve experienced this struggle firsthand. There was a time when someone I trusted deeply hurt me. For weeks, I replayed the situation in my mind, thinking of all the things I could’ve said or done differently. The bitterness grew, and before I even knew it was there it felt like it was consuming me. One day, I came across Colossians 3:13. The words hit me hard: “Forgive each other; as the Lord has forgiven you.” I realized that my unforgiveness was keeping me stuck, while the other person had probably moved on.

Letting go wasn’t easy. I had to pray constantly, asking God to help me release the anger and hurt. It was days, weeks and months of choosing to let go of that hurt to God, but over time, as I chose to forgive, I felt a weight lift. The situation didn’t change, but my heart did. Forgiveness brought freedom I didn’t know I needed.

Colossians 3:13 reminds us that we forgive because we have been forgiven. Think about the grace God has shown us—how he sent his Son to die for our sins, even though we didn’t deserve it. When we remember how much we’ve been forgiven, it becomes easier to extend that forgiveness to others.

Forgiveness is also an act of trust. By forgiving, we’re trusting God to bring justice and healing in his way and in his time. We’re saying, “God, I can’t carry this burden anymore, so I’m giving it to you.”

Practical Steps to Forgive

Pray for Help: Ask God to give you the strength to forgive. Be honest about your feelings and ask him to heal your heart.
Release the Offense: Choose to let go of the bitterness and anger, even if the feelings don’t go away immediately. You may need to repeat this over and over again. That’s okay, and that’s normal!
Remember God’s Grace: Reflect on how much God has forgiven you. Let his grace inspire you to extend forgiveness to others.
Take One Step at a Time: Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. Keep bringing it to God as many times as it takes.

A Prayer for Forgiveness

Heavenly Father, thank you for the incredible grace you’ve shown me. I confess that I’ve been holding onto hurt and bitterness, and it’s weighing me down. Help me to forgive, even when it’s hard. Heal my heart and remind me of the freedom that comes with letting go. Thank you for forgiving me and for walking with me as I choose to forgive others. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Forgiveness isn’t easy, but it’s worth it. When we let go of grudges, we make room for God’s peace and healing to enter our lives. What’s one step you can take toward forgiveness today? Trust God with your pain, and let him guide you to the freedom that comes with grace.

Worship Along

Lyrics: Wholehearted by We Are Messengers x KB

Got a lot in my past
Got a lot on my mind
There’s a lot of things I want back
There’s a lot of me I don’t like

But I come
Just as I am to You
And I know
Just what You’re gonna do

When I need grace
You give it wholehearted, give it wholehearted
I was a mess
But You never departed, never departed
Faithful when I’m at my worst
No, I don’t get what I deserve
‘Cause when I need grace
You give it wholehearted, give it wholehearted

Who knew who stayed when they would move on
Who gave us grace and new hope
Who gave us faith and new homes
No, I don’t need your kudos
These people lie, but you don’t
Silenzio the Brunos
The glory goes to Uno
Ain’t no duo, it’s Yeshua

Yeah, this ain’t being deep deep
Jesus took the wheel, no, Jesus took the whole street
That’s how I feel, yeah, I keep my eyes on the Hill, yeah
Ain’t gotta convince me it’s real, yeah
Know where to go where to heal, yeah

You don’t hold back, You don’t hold back
Your love is not afraid to run
You don’t hold back, You don’t hold back
Not ashamed of the things I’ve done
Yeah, you don’t hold back, You don’t hold back
Your love is not afraid to run (love not afraid, no)
You don’t hold back, You don’t hold back
Not ashamed of the things I’ve done (shame’s gone)

When I need grace (when I need grace), yeah

I need grace
You give it wholehearted, give it wholehearted