Forgiveness is a power that belongs to the beholder. It can be given and received, but in a world where people have freewill, it seems harder for forgiveness to be granted than accepted.
Throughout the journey of life, we experience joyful moments but can’t escape the pain of betrayal, suffering, and injustice. That pain can harden the heart, making granting forgiveness a power that is rarely used. And it can be even harder when we are unable to forgive ourselves for mistakes we have made.
This unique act of letting go of resentment and harmful feelings has been proven to improve your overall health and wellbeing. Studies show that those who hold on to grudges have a higher chance of developing severe depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
No one said that forgiveness is easy but it is possible. And if there were ever more of a reason to forgive despite our feelings, this would be it: “But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses” (Matthew 6:15)
With our track record of hurting others, whether knowingly or unintentionally, we need forgiveness. So, we don’t have the right to withhold others of that benefit.
Forgiveness must be a choice, not something that is dependent on how we feel; otherwise, we would never experience internal freedom.
Sunday 5 August 2023 is International Forgiveness Day, created by The World Forgiveness Alliance, to show us the importance of forgiveness. It can be easy to acknowledge but harder to put into practice.
Choose to forgive this Sunday!
If you need help to learn how, join us at your local Universal Church on Sunday at 10am (also at 7.30am).
You can also call our 24-Hour Helpline on 020 7686 6000 or message us on WhatsApp on 020 7686 6010 if you would like to speak to one of our advisors.
