The Orphan Spirit: Inner Healing From Deep Wounds of RejectionSample

Day 6: Healing from an Orphaned Spirit (Releasing Forgiveness)

Forgiveness is necessary for any healing journey. It is important to understand forgiveness involves two parts: release and recovery. Release involves a decision of the heart to remove the requirement to pay the debt (pain) caused. Recovery is a journey and involves the intentionality of applying God's Word which heals.

Forgiving can feel impossible, especially when the pain is deep. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s help, asking for strength, compassion, and the grace to truly let go. Philippians 4:13 reminds us that we “can do all things through Christ who strengthens us.”

Here are some steps to consider when releasing forgiveness.

(1) Let Go of Your “Right” to Retaliate: Sometimes we hold onto unforgiveness as a form of control or as a “right” to hold something against the person. True forgiveness, however, releases this right and lets go of the need to retaliate or hold onto grudges.

(2) Lay the Burden at the Cross: Surrender the offense and the hurt to Jesus, who took all pain, sin, and suffering upon Himself. 1 Peter 5:7 encourages us to “cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” Give the weight of the hurt and the desire for justice to God, trusting that He will work all things for good.

(3) Lift the Person Up in Prayer: Pray blessings over the person who hurt you. Jesus taught us to pray for our enemies, which helps shift our perspective and releases bitterness. Praying for the offender can feel challenging but is incredibly freeing.

(4) Ask God to Show You His Perspective: Praying for the offender can open your heart to God’s perspective. Asking God to show you the person through His eyes can foster compassion and understanding.

(5) Meditate on Verses About Forgiveness: Renew your mind with verses that encourage forgiveness. Verses like Colossians 3:13 (“Forgive as the Lord forgave you”) remind us of God’s heart and give us strength to forgive.

(6) Focus on God’s Forgiveness Toward You: Reflecting on God’s grace in your own life can make it easier to extend that grace to others. Remembering how much we’ve been forgiven helps soften our hearts and reminds us of God’s mercy.

(7) Accept that the Recovery Portion of Forgiveness May Be an Ongoing Process: Some wounds take time to heal, and feelings of anger or sadness may resurface. When they do, remind yourself of the choice you made to forgive and ask God for help to continue releasing any lingering bitterness.

Prescription for Healing:

Scripture: “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32

Reflection: Holding onto bitterness can keep us in a place of bondage. Reflect on people who may have hurt you, particularly if this hurt has reinforced feelings of abandonment or rejection. Ask God for the strength to forgive as He has forgiven you.

Prayer: Lord, help me to forgive those who have hurt me. Release me from bitterness, and let me experience the freedom of a forgiving heart.