The Power of Forgiveness and Letting Go

Forgiveness is one of the hardest things for the human heart to do, yet it is also one of the most powerful acts a Christian can walk in. Many of us know what it feels like to be hurt—betrayed by a friend, abandoned by a loved one, cheated by a business partner, or even offended within the church. The natural response is to hold on to anger, bitterness, or resentment. But Jesus calls us to something higher.

In Matthew 6:14–15, Jesus said: “For if you forgive other people when they sin against you, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.” Forgiveness is not a suggestion; it is a command. And it is central to the Christian life.

Let us go deeper into why forgiveness is so important, what it means to let go, and how we can walk in this power daily.

1. What Forgiveness Really Means

Forgiveness is a decision to release someone from the debt of their offense. It does not mean the hurt never happened, and it does not mean we excuse the wrong. Instead, it means we choose to let go of our right to revenge or repay evil with evil.

The Greek word for forgiveness (aphesis) literally means “release” or “to send away.” When we forgive, we release the person into God’s hands and release ourselves from the prison of bitterness.

Colossians 3:13 says: “Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” True forgiveness is patterned after Christ, who forgave us freely and completely.

2. Why Forgiveness Is So Important

1. It reflects God’s forgiveness of us. We are all sinners saved by grace. Ephesians 4:32 reminds us: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”
2. It restores relationships. Forgiveness opens the door for reconciliation. Joseph forgave his brothers in Genesis 50:20, and their family was restored.
3. It frees us from bondage. Unforgiveness keeps us chained. Hebrews 12:15 warns against allowing bitterness to grow, because it defiles many.
4. It brings healing. Medical studies even show that forgiveness lowers stress and promotes physical health. Proverbs 14:30 says: “A heart at peace gives life to the body, but envy rots the bones.”
5. It pleases God. Forgiveness is obedience. When we forgive, we align with God’s will and character.

3. Forgiveness as the Heart of the Gospel

The gospel itself is a message of forgiveness. Jesus came to die for the sins of humanity, offering forgiveness to all who repent and believe. On the cross, His words were: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).

Forgiveness is not an accessory to the gospel—it is the core. Without forgiveness, there is no salvation. If God forgave us such a great debt, how can we refuse to forgive smaller debts others owe us? Jesus illustrated this in the parable of the unforgiving servant (Matthew 18:21–35). The servant forgiven a massive debt refused to forgive a smaller one. Jesus concluded: “This is how my heavenly Father will treat each of you unless you forgive your brother or sister from your heart.”

4. Common Misunderstandings About Forgiveness

• Forgiveness does not mean forgetting. You may remember the hurt, but you no longer hold it against the person.
• Forgiveness does not always mean reconciliation. Reconciliation requires trust; forgiveness requires release. You can forgive someone without restoring the same level of relationship.
• Forgiveness does not deny justice. You forgive, but you allow God and, where necessary, lawful authorities to handle justice. Romans 12:19 says: “Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath.”
• Forgiveness is not weakness. It is strength. It takes courage to forgive, but only bitterness to hold grudges.

5. Biblical Models of Forgiveness

• Joseph: Despite being sold into slavery by his brothers, he forgave them, saying in Genesis 50:20, “You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good.”
• David: He forgave King Saul, who tried to kill him, refusing to harm him when he had the chance (1 Samuel 24:10).
• Stephen: As he was being stoned, he prayed, “Lord, do not hold this sin against them” (Acts 7:60).
• Jesus: On the cross, He forgave His executioners (Luke 23:34).

Each of these shows that forgiveness is not only possible but powerful.

6. The Power of Letting Go

Forgiveness must be followed by letting go. Many people say they forgive but continue to hold onto resentment. Letting go means we stop rehearsing the hurt, stop speaking evil about the offender, and stop carrying the pain into every part of life.

Philippians 3:13–14 gives us this principle: “Forgetting what is behind and straining toward what is ahead, I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.” Letting go allows us to press forward. Holding on to offense keeps us stuck in the past.

Isaiah 43:18 says: “Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” Forgiveness and letting go create room for God’s new work in our lives.

7. Practical Steps to Forgive and Let Go

1. Acknowledge the hurt. Forgiveness is not denial. Admit the pain before God.
2. Decide to forgive. Forgiveness is a choice, not a feeling. Obey first, feelings follow later.
3. Pray for the offender. Jesus said in Matthew 5:44, “Pray for those who persecute you.” Prayer softens the heart.
4. Release them to God. Leave justice in God’s hands. Romans 12:19 assures us that God repays.
5. Bless instead of curse. Romans 12:14 says, “Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.” Speaking blessings breaks bitterness.
6. Repeat as needed. Sometimes forgiveness must be reaffirmed until the heart is free.

8. The Dangers of Unforgiveness

• It blocks God’s forgiveness. Matthew 6:15 says if we do not forgive, God will not forgive us.
• It hinders prayer. Mark 11:25 says, “When you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive them, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you.”
• It poisons relationships. Hebrews 12:15 says bitterness defiles many. One unforgiving heart can pollute an entire family or church.
• It gives Satan a foothold. Ephesians 4:26–27 warns that unresolved anger gives the devil room to operate.

Unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die. It destroys the one who holds it.

9. The Blessings of Forgiveness

• Peace of heart. Isaiah 26:3 says God keeps in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him. Forgiveness removes inner storms.
• Healing. Many emotional and even physical illnesses are tied to bitterness. Forgiveness brings wholeness.
• Restored relationships. Like Joseph’s family, forgiveness can bring unity and joy.
• Answered prayers. Forgiveness clears the channel between us and God.
• Freedom. Forgiveness lifts heavy burdens. Jesus said in John 8:36, “If the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”

Conclusion

The power of forgiveness and letting go is transformative. It heals our hearts, restores our relationships, pleases God, and sets us free. Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is always worth it. And we do not forgive in our strength but in Christ’s.

Ephesians 4:32 sums it up beautifully: “Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.”

So today, make the choice to forgive. Release the debt. Let go of the pain. Trust God with the justice. And step into the freedom that forgiveness brings. For when we forgive, we reflect Christ Himself.