Real Hope: ForgivenessNäide

All Good, No Worries

I frequently find myself using these phrases–"all good" and "no worries." Whether in emails, texts, or face-to-face interactions, these words flow effortlessly from my lips or fingers with a smiley-face emoji thrown in for good measure. At times, they’re a mere formality; a polite dismissal of minor inconveniences. But often, beneath the surface, lies a different story. Beneath those casual words, there can linger pain, hurt, unnecessary and unhelpful inconvenience, or a sense of being diminished by someone’s actions, words, mistakes, or inconsiderate responses or behavior. It is from this unforgiveness that bitterness and resentment can fester and destroy both you and the relationships with those around you.

True forgiveness, as exemplified by God’s unwavering grace, doesn’t equate to dismissal. God didn’t merely shrug off our sins; He addressed them on our behalf through the death and resurrection of His Son Jesus taking the punishment for our sins upon Himself. "All good" and "no worries" fall short of genuine forgiveness. They don’t serve you; nor do they help the person who wronged you.

When someone extends an apology, are you courageous and authentic enough to respond with, "I forgive you?" I’m still working on that. Likewise, when you offer an apology, can you summon the humility to not only say sorry but to also hear and embrace those profound words, "I forgive you?" It’s in these moments of sincerity and grace that we truly embody the spirit of Ephesians 4:32, embracing forgiveness as a powerful act of love and healing, rather than a mere dismissal of wrongdoing. I’m still working on that one also. How about you?

Written by AARON WRIGHT

Want more? Check out the Real Hope Conversations Podcast and listen as we delve further into the topic of Forgiveness. Available wherever you listen to podcasts.