Brave Enough to Be BrokenSample

Become a Forgiver (Even If That Means Forgiving Yourself)

There is one thing that will keep you from fully embracing healing and hope: unforgiveness. I know it’s not a fun topic. But when you hold on to the anger and bitterness that comes with unforgiveness, it will have power over your thoughts and your actions.

Let’s be honest, forgiveness can be scary. And yet, we have a God who has empowered us with a faith that can move mountains. We can trust that, on the road to forgiveness, Jesus is walking with us every step of the way.

Let’s look at three aspects of forgiveness that will reveal a greater hope for you.

1. Your pain does not excuse you from forgiveness. I know that may be hard to read. But it’s true. We all have a responsibility and a reason to forgive. Our responsibility comes from God. Jesus said we should “be merciful, just as your Father is merciful” (Luke 6:36). If we are willing to accept the freely given forgiveness of our Savior, we’d better be willing to give it away freely as well.
2. When we forgive, the grip of bitterness releases our hearts to create a pathway for God to heal us. Our flesh wants to right the wrongs done against us, level the playing field, and seek revenge. But God is the ultimate Ruler. He’s an all-knowing, sovereign Judge and Healer. God is in the business of answered prayers. Jesus said, “Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours” (Mark 11:24). We need to focus our energy on God and what He wants to do in our hearts, not against the people who have hurt our hearts. How will that impact your prayers?
3. The Enemy is real. Remember, we have an Enemy who wants to rob us of our hope, and we need to prepare for that. “Our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms” (Ephesians 6:12).

We are often distracted by people from our past who have hurt us, and we forget that the Enemy will attack our weakest places. Unforgiveness is a weak place.

Here’s what I want you to remember: when something happens that leaves you in a valley, bring it to God first, seek professional help, bring it to your trusted and safe community, and remember your posture of hope.

Think about this: Is unforgiveness holding you back from experiencing healing? And, if so, what do you need to do to prepare yourself to forgive? Don’t walk into forgiveness blindly. Seek God through scripture, prayer, and wise counsel, and He’ll make you brave and protect you through it.