Forgiveness Is Not Forgetting
Forgiveness is one of the most powerful gifts that God offers us. Yet for many people forgiveness can be one of the hardest things to give and receive. When I talked with Lorraine about forgiving the man that killed her daughter I was amazed at how she allowed God to help her come to a place of forgiveness. With that forgiveness, Lorraine says she found freedom and the ability to joyfully live her life despite her tragic loss.
Whether it’s the deep hurt caused by betrayal, or the sting of harsh words, forgiveness can feel more like a burden than a blessing. But as Lorraine shared with me on the Bridges set scriptures tells a different story – one of healing, release, and a kind of freedom that only Christ can provide.
Lorraine now travels around the country sharing how forgiveness is an invitation to freedom. She goes on to say that most of us carry emotional and spiritual wounds just under the surface. She says that sometimes we replay past mistakes or rehearse words we wish we had said. But Colossians 3:13 reminds us, “Bear with one another and forgive one another …..Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” This is not just a command but an invitation. Lorraine is quick to remind our viewers that the blessings gained by forgiveness far outweigh the cost of carrying pain and hurt for the rest of our lives.
When Jesus died on the cross, He didn’t just offer us a path to heaven. He broke the chains of guilt, shame, and bitterness that hold us captive. The cross is not only a symbol of salvation, but also a reminder that we are forgiven and called to forgive.
Here are some of the blessings that come from forgiveness.
It heals your heart – letting go releases the emotional toxins that keep you bound to your past.
It strengthens your faith – forgiving others exercises your trust in God’s justice, not your own.
It aligns you with Christ – Your become more like Jesus when you choose mercy over revenge.
So, how do we forgive those that have wronged us? When I consider my Bridges guest Lorraine, I am in awe of how she came to the place of forgiving her daughter’s killer. She’s made it part of her life’s mission to share how forgiveness can set you free. Here are some of the ways that Lorraine shared that will be helpful to us in terms of forgiving others.
Pray for grace – Ask God to soften your heart and remind you of His mercy.
Speak the truth – Declare verses like Ephesians 4:32
Release the debt – Say out loud: “I forgive (Name), and I release them into God’s hands.
Extend grace to yourself -Remind yourself of God’s promises. Your identity is not your past – it’s His love
Repeat as needed – Forgiveness is sometimes a process. You may have to release it again tomorrow, and that’s okay,
Lorraine emphasizes that forgiveness is not forgetting. It’s choosing freedom over bondage. It’s saying, “What Jesus did for me is greater than what they did to me – or what I did to yourself.”
You were not created to carry the weight of unforgiveness. Jesus already carried it for you. Step into the freedom He died to give you – and live each day with a heart unburdened, a soul restored, and a life overflowing with grace. “So if the Son sets your free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Today’s Secret the Studio: Forgiveness may not be easy, but it will bring freedom into your life.
Monica Schmelter is the host of Bridges on Christian Television Network. Monica also just launched a brand-new podcast called Hope for the Journey. You can find it on LifeAudio or your favorite podcast APP.
