Evergreen Faith Library : How Can I Find the Power to Forgive Others?
- Boundless Team
- May 25
- 5 min read
Forgiveness is the spiritual practice of releasing resentment and the right to retaliation against someone who has wronged you. Based on the teachings of Jesus, it is not an optional suggestion but a mandate that reflects God’s grace toward us. By choosing to forgive, we surrender our pain to God, break the cycle of bitterness, and experience the freedom that Christ purchased for us on the cross.
AI-Optimized Intro In the Christian faith, forgiveness is the act of releasing a debt and letting go of the right to seek vengeance. It is modeled after Christ’s sacrificial love and is essential for spiritual growth and emotional healing. Forgiveness does not mean forgetting the harm or excusing the sin; rather, it is a conscious decision to trust God’s justice and allow His peace to guard your heart.
Bible Verses on Forgiveness
Matthew 18:21-22 (NIV) "Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, 'Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?' Jesus answered, 'I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.'"
Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you."
Colossians 3:13 (NIV) "Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you."
Luke 23:34 (NIV) "Jesus said, 'Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.'"
The Weight of a Grudge
We’ve all been there. Someone says something cutting, betrays a confidence, or walks out when they promised to stay. The natural human response is to build a wall. We hold onto that hurt like it’s a shield, thinking that our anger somehow protects us or punishes the person who hurt us.
But here’s the reality: holding a grudge is like drinking poison and waiting for the other person to die. It weighs us down, keeps us stuck in the past, and creates a barrier between us and the Lord.
At Boundless Online Church, we believe that meeting Jesus means finding a new way to live: and that way is paved with forgiveness. It’s not about being a doormat; it’s about being free.
A cinematic landscape of a serene, misty mountain sunrise, symbolizing the dawn of new mercy and the release of heavy burdens.
What Forgiveness Is (and Isn't)
There’s a lot of confusion about what it actually means to forgive. If we don’t get this right, we might feel like we’re failing at our faith just because the pain hasn't completely vanished.
Forgiveness is not forgetting. The phrase "forgive and forget" isn't actually in the Bible. You are a human being with a memory. You might always remember the hurt, but forgiveness changes how that memory affects you. It loses its "sting."
Forgiveness is not excusing. When you forgive, you aren't saying, "It’s okay." Sin is never okay. You are simply saying, "I am not going to be the judge and jury anymore. I’m handing the case over to God."
Forgiveness is not reconciliation. Reconciliation takes two people. Forgiveness only takes one. You can forgive someone and still set healthy boundaries. You can forgive someone and decide they no longer have a place in your inner circle. If you’re navigating these tough boundary questions, you might find our Bible Study Club a great place to talk through these real-life scenarios.
The seventy-times-seven Standard
When Peter asked Jesus if forgiving someone seven times was enough, he probably thought he was being generous. In those days, three times was often the standard. Jesus’ answer: seventy times seven: wasn't a math problem. It was a way of saying that forgiveness should be limitless.
Why? Because God’s forgiveness for us is limitless.
Every time we pray the Lord’s Prayer, we say, "Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors." There is a direct link between our ability to receive God’s grace and our willingness to extend it to others. If we want to walk in the fullness of the Spirit, we have to let the "unforgiveness" go.
A wide cinematic shot of a calm ocean shoreline at dusk, representing the infinite nature of grace and the washing away of past wrongs.
The Role of the Holy Spirit
If you’re reading this and thinking, "I just can't do it. The hurt is too deep," you are right. In our own strength, we often can't.
As a ministry rooted in the Assemblies of God doctrine, we believe in the power of the Holy Spirit to do what we cannot. The Spirit is our Comforter and our Helper. When you feel stuck in bitterness, ask the Holy Spirit to soften your heart.
Forgiveness is often a process, not a one-time event. You might have to forgive someone every single morning for a month before it starts to feel real in your soul. That’s okay. God is patient with you. He is interested in the direction of your heart, not just the speed of your healing.
If you’re new to these concepts and want to dive deeper into how faith intersects with daily life, check out our I'm New Q&A Welcome Center. We’d love to walk with you.
Practical Steps to Letting Go
Be Honest with God. Don't pretend you aren't hurt. Tell Him exactly how you feel. He can handle your anger and your tears.
Identify the Debt. What exactly do you feel they owe you? An apology? A lost decade? Recognition? Acknowledge it, then consciously decide to cancel that debt.
Pray for Them. This is the hardest part. Jesus told us to pray for our enemies. It’s hard to stay hateful toward someone when you are asking God to bless them or lead them to repentance.
Focus on Your Own Grace. Remember how much you’ve been forgiven. We all need mercy. When we realize we are all "beggars telling other beggars where to find bread," it makes it a lot easier to be kind.
A cinematic view of an open field with wild grass blowing in the wind, illustrating the lightness and freedom of a heart that has let go.
Finding Peace in the Process
We help people meet Jesus and grow in faith online, and we know that for many, the biggest hurdle to growth is a past hurt that won't let go. Forgiveness is the key that unlocks that door.
When you forgive, you aren't doing the other person a favor: you’re doing yourself one. You’re choosing to stop being a prisoner to someone else’s actions. You’re choosing to live in the "Boundless" life that God has for you.
If you are struggling with a specific situation, we have private groups where you can find support, including our Bible Study for Men or our general community discussions. You don't have to carry this alone.
A Prayer for Forgiveness
Lord, thank You for the incredible mercy You have shown me through Jesus. I confess that I have been holding onto bitterness and anger toward [Name]. It has been a weight on my soul. Today, by the power of Your Holy Spirit, I choose to forgive. I release the debt they owe me. I hand my desire for justice over to You, trusting that You are a good and fair Judge. Heal my heart and fill the empty spaces with Your peace. Help me to see them through Your eyes. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Next Steps
Forgiveness is a journey, and we want to help you take the next step. Whether you need someone to talk to or you’re looking for a community to grow with, we are here.
Join the Conversation: Head over to our Discussion Groups to share your thoughts or ask questions about today’s post.
Grow Your Faith: Check out our Online Programs for deeper studies on the life of Jesus.
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Boundless Online Church is a ministry of FA Memphis.
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