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

Unforgiveness can feel like protection, but over time it becomes a prison. We replay the hurt, hold tightly to the debt, and wait for the other person to make things right. Yet our resentment often wounds us more deeply than it affects them.

I heard a saying on the weekend “unforgiveness is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die”. In other words, holding onto anger and resentment only hurts you while the other person who wronged you remains unaware and often unaffected.

Jesus invites us to release unforgiveness and often what we cannot repair into His hands. Forgiveness does not call evil good, erase wise boundaries, or deny the pain. It means surrendering our right to revenge and trusting God with justice. We forgive not because the offence was small, but because the grace we have received is greater.

In extending forgiveness we aline ourselves with the command and example of the scriptures referenced above from the book of Ephesians. Forgiving one another as God has forgiven us.

Today, right now we can bring our unresolved hurt before God. Name it honestly, ask Him for the willingness to forgive, and take one small step away from bitterness. Forgiveness may be a decision you repeat, but each surrender opens the door to freedom.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, thank You for forgiving me. Help me release the hurt I have carried and entrust justice to You. Heal my heart, give me wisdom for healthy boundaries, and let Your mercy shape my response. Amen.