Should you forgive others? 🧐

Has anybody hurt you or cheated on you? Has a business partner ever stolen from you or a friend let you down? Has your marriage ended in divorce because of lies and broken promises? Are you one of the millions of women or men who were abused as children? I’m so sorry. I can relate in so many ways. People can hurt people. It’s not fair, and it’s not your fault. I hear the Spirit of God speaking to you these words of comfort today.

So many people have asked me, “Paul Marc, can I take revenge?” or “How can I get rid of this hurt or anger?”

I’ll never forget a young girl in my youth group. She was failing in school and looked withdrawn and depressed. One of her parents brought her to our new counseling center for help. Little did I know that I was about to address one of the most horrific pandemics in the U.S.: child sexual abuse. This girl confided in me that her grandfather had molested her and that she was worried about her siblings. Her suspicions were accurate, and sexual abuse had ravaged her family. I called Child Protective Services, the family was set free from the predator, and he was arrested. But the story didn’t end there. Every victim was still captive to the lies and abuse, so months of counseling and intervention were necessary for healing and restoration.

I’ll never forget the day we had to address the most important healing step I’ve ever discovered: forgiving the ones who hurt and abused us. The Bible says, “‘For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.’” (Matthew 6:14, NIV) At first, I was worried about sharing the next step of healing. She was right to distrust her abuser but empowered when she forgave him for the abuse. She changed before our very eyes. It was so rewarding to see the whole family experience the power of forgiveness.

Were you ever victimized as a child? I’m so sorry. If we can help, please don’t hesitate to let us know. I have team members standing by who can support you. In the journey of healing and empowerment, you will take the steps of forgiveness. You will be free from the past, healed, and prepared for the future because you are a miracle.

Your friend, Paul Marc Goulet