The Transforming Power of Forgiveness

I remember one Sunday when God brought to my attention a family member whom I had refused to forgive. I had been holding on to resentment, but I didn’t realize that my refusal to forgive was actually hurting me. I went to the altar, fell on my knees, released my burden, and forgave my family member.

What happened next still gives me chill bumps. The glory of the Lord completely overwhelmed me. I couldn’t move or speak for nearly thirty minutes after I surrendered. I felt God’s great delight, and it changed me forever.

Forgiveness is essential for believers, for the foundation of our salvation is the truth that we have been forgiven for our sins. Even though it may not be easy, we must be willing to extend the same grace to others when we need to. Forgiveness is a powerful force that transforms both the person who is forgiven and the forgiver. It leads to restoration and profound freedom.

Harboring unforgiveness is like nurturing a bitter root within the soul, allowing it to spread like a deadly virus and contaminate every aspect of your life. Unforgiveness weighs heavy on the heart, preventing forward movement in our journey with Christ.

Matthew 6:14–15 and Ephesians 4:32 remind us that forgiveness is an act of obedience. Breaking chains of resentment requires a conscious decision to forgive, not based on the offender’s actions but on obedience to God’s command. Christ’s forgiveness was not contingent on the worthiness of those he forgave but on the depth of his love and the extent of God’s grace. Thanks to the Holy Spirit, we, too, can emulate Christ’s forgiveness—a forgiveness rooted in love.

Through forgiveness, we yield to God’s desire for us and allow him to release a healing that goes far beyond what we could ever imagine, from today’s sins to generational scars in your family. My sister, my brother, choose to forgive. Ask the Holy Spirit to highlight anyone you may need to extend forgiveness to. Don’t put it off another day.

Father, in the name of Jesus, I thank you for the opportunity to embrace the transformative power of forgiveness. I recognize the weight of unforgiveness, and I desire to emulate you. As you forgave me, so, too, will I forgive others. I rejoice that you will liberate my heart. Amen.

May the liberating power of forgiveness bless my spirit, soul, and body.