Forgiveness is one of the most powerful things a person can offer. It is choosing not to let hurt run the story anymore

 

Think about your everyday life. A relative has deep negative feelings agaimst you. A friend cancels plans again. A coworker speaks sharply during a stressful week. Your husband or wife forgets something again. Your kid tunes you out when you need them to listen. Or someone keeps saying “you’ll never make it in life.”

 

These moments create tension. Forgiveness interrupts that cycle. It says, “I will not let this define our relationship.” Forgiveness does not pretend the hurt never happened. It makes room for growth. Sometimes the relationship gets stronger. Other times you find a healthier way to move forward. Either way, forgiveness frees your heart from carrying anger that wears you down.

 

Jesus once told a story that many people today may not know. We read about it last week in the Bible’s Luke 15:11-32 (read here)  It is about a younger son who walked away from his family, made painful choices, and returned home expecting rejection. Instead, his father ran toward him with open arms and welcomed him back. It shows a love that doesn’t wait and is ready to celebrate a fresh forgiving start.

 

Forgiveness also works inward. Many people carry guilt from mistakes they made years ago. They replay the moment again and again. Many people assume God is tired of them. Yet Jesus shows a God who moves toward people with compassion and gives them a fresh start.

 

As disciples, we carry the power to forgive. The real question is whether we will use it.