Grace Abounds: Hope and Healing From Sexual AbuseSample

I used to believe the path of forgiveness was supposed to be an easy one. When someone offends me, I immediately offer forgiveness with a friendly hug; end of story.

However, my experience with forgiveness has been far from simple. I struggled to forgive my abuser because I felt the injustice was undeserving, much less capable of forgiveness. I did what I felt was the next best thing to forgiveness— appear unphased and okay. Certainly, pretending nothing happened, burying the pain, and putting on a brave face meant I was moving on. Or did it?

I did not have a clear understanding of forgiveness. I had to learn that forgiveness did not minimize the offense against me or release my abuser from accepting responsibility or receiving consequences. I also had to understand God's love for me and forgive myself before I considered forgiving my abuser.

Choosing forgiveness is hard, and it may be a daily task. In moments of flashback or trigger, you must go to the foot of the cross and trust God to help you forgive again. You must lean on God's strength to walk in forgiveness. 2 Corinthians 12:9 says that God's grace is sufficient for you, and His power is perfect in your weaknesses.

Did you know God commands forgiveness? You must understand the degree to which the Lord has forgiven your sins. God extends unbelievable grace and mercy by removing your guilt and securing your destiny. The Bible says to offer forgiveness in the same way that Christ forgave you.*

You cannot rely on the world to give you the ability to forgive a person who hurt you so deeply; only the power of the Holy Spirit can do that. Forgiveness is the fruit that comes from a transformed heart.

Dear Heavenly Father,

Life is hard sometimes, and forgiveness is often even more difficult. But Your Son, Jesus, provides the perfect picture of forgiveness that guides us into a life of mercy. May Your Spirit comfort the woman struggling with triggers and flashbacks. Rescue her and provide the safety required for her to forgive freely. Allow her to release the hurt to You as her Vindicator. May she experience freedom from unforgiveness. Lord, provide her with patience and grace on this healing journey. Thank You, Lord, for Your wisdom and understanding. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

*God calls you to love and forgive your enemies, but this does not equate with reconciliation. Restoring your relationship with an abuser may not be a safe option and can have mental, spiritual, physical, sexual, and emotional consequences.