When It Is Difficult to ForgiveSample

Day 3: Sometimes forgiveness is a process

Does it sometimes happen that you pray and forgive someone, and then, just the next moment, you feel the same anger, resentment and pain all over again? This can happen! Especially when it is something really difficult like ongoing verbal abuse, a rape case, or a fatal car accident because of reckless driving.

The complete freedom forgiveness brings does not always manifest immediately. Sometimes, because of our human frailty, it becomes a journey of surrendering the hurt daily until true and complete healing settles in our hearts. You may ask, "But what will happen to me if I die before I have forgiven?" As long as we are working out our salvation with fear and trembling (Philippians 2:12, NIV), wrestling with the matter for complete forgiveness to manifest, there is grace. Our Lord is merciful when He sees our hearts are willing to do what is right. Have grace with yourself while you are in the process of forgiving completely.

Testimony:
Lisa thought she had forgiven her father for abandoning her as a child, but old wounds resurfaced when he reached out years later. She realized forgiveness wasn’t a one-time decision but a continual process of letting go and allowing God to heal her heart. As they continued to have contact, she saw he was sincere. Healing began to flood her heart until she completely forgave him. Now their relationship is restored, and her father also enjoys spending time with his daughter.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, I struggle with forgiving fully. Teach me to walk in daily surrender, choosing to forgive again and again. Strengthen me to continue this journey with Your grace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.