Forgiveness is a Gift to Yourself
Walking a path of peace and intentional living requires more than good intentions and beautiful words. It calls for deep self-reflection. It demands that we not only talk the talk, but also walk the walk and that walk is not easy.
Choosing peace means taking an honest internal look at ourselves and holding up a mirror of accountability. That’s where forgiveness enters the journey.
Forgiveness is one of the hardest yet most necessary steps in living a life of peace. The Bible speaks clearly about forgiveness, and Jesus Himself modeled it in the most profound way. Even while hanging on the cross, He said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do” (Luke 23:34). Forgiveness is not optional in the Christian walk, it’s foundational.
But let’s be real: forgiveness does not mean forgetting the hurt or pretending the pain didn’t happen. It doesn’t excuse the offense or erase the wounds.
Forgiveness means choosing to see God in every situation and allowing Him to change the narrative. It means trusting that even what was meant to harm us can be used by God to heal us.
For me, forgiveness has been extremely hard. My life experiences have made this journey heavy and deeply personal. I live in my head a lot, and when memories of hurt surface, they can linger longer than I’d like. Forgiving has required daily effort, intentional prayer, and complete reliance on God. I’ve learned that I am not forgiving others for their sake, I’m forgiving for mine.
Forgiveness is the most “selfish” gift I can give myself. It frees me from carrying pain that keeps me stuck. It releases me from emotional prisons I didn’t even realize I was locked inside. Scripture reminds us, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” (Philippians 4:13). I hold tightly to that truth, because I know my strength alone is not enough. “For when I am weak, then I am strong” (2 Corinthians 12:10).
People will disappoint you. They will let you down. They may never apologize or acknowledge the damage they caused. But God is faithful. When we place our trust in Him, He carries us through every situation even the ones that broke us.
I once heard that unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. That truth stopped me in my tracks. The people who hurt me probably spent no time thinking about what they did. They’ve moved on . So why should I stay trapped in pain that only harms me?
I’m choosing to let go and live the life God promised me. No one is worth my peace. No one is worth my joy. It’s my responsibility to create a kind of peace where no one gets to live rent-free in my mind.
So, each day, I choose forgiveness again and again. Not because it’s easy, but because I’m worth it.
A Prayer for Forgiveness and Peace
Heavenly Father,
I come before You with a heart that desires peace but often wrestles with pain. You see every wound, every memory, and every place where forgiveness feels impossible.
Lord, I ask You to soften my heart and strengthen my spirit. Help me to forgive as You have forgiven me, fully, freely, and with love.
Teach me to release what no longer serves Your purpose in my life. When hurt rises up, remind me that I do not walk this journey alone. Give me the courage to trust You with my pain and the faith to believe that healing is possible. Replace bitterness with peace, anger with grace, and heaviness with joy.
Lord, I surrender my hurt to You today. I choose forgiveness. I choose freedom. I choose peace.
In Jesus’ name I pray,
Amen