Every Time You Remember, Forgive Again

Bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive (Colossians 3:13)

As Christians, we are often reminded of the importance of living a life of forgiveness and emulating Christ’s example. Yet, the practical steps of how to forgive are rarely explained, leaving many unsure of where to begin.

For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works (Titus 2:11-14).

We forgive because of who we have become in Christ. Through salvation, we have experienced the transformative power of God’s grace, enabling us to release offenses and extend forgiveness. It is this grace that allows us to let go of past hurts and move forward with renewed purpose and strength. It’s not difficult, and it’s not impossible. Through Christ, we have the power within us to walk in forgiveness, empowered by His Spirit and guided by His example.

Internal barriers hindering forgiveness

Pride clings tightly to a sense of justice, a need to be right, or the desire to be proven right. Inwardly, it creates a hard resistance and unwillingness to release offenses and offenders. When we walk this path, it consciously or unconsciously means we believe forgiveness prevents punishment and undermines fairness. Fear on the other hand withholds forgiveness, concerned about vulnerability and the risk of being hurt again. In doing so, we imply that love weakens us, while hate makes us stronger. Anger fuels resentment, making it difficult to see the situation from a more compassionate or forgiving perspective.

But the danger of unresolved pain is that it keeps wounds open, keeps us stuck in the past, thus placing forgiveness out of reach. These internal barriers reflect the unyielded aspects of our nature that resist transformation in Christ. Unfortunately, when combined with negative patterns—such as a family history of withholding forgiveness—they can develop into spiritual strongholds in the heart. These strongholds can only be dismantled through genuine repentance and the power of deliverance from the spirit of unforgiveness.

The Broken Christian

Though the struggle with the flesh is a daily challenge, the surrendered Christian gives free access to the Holy Spirit allowing the spirit to guide and control them rather than being ruled by the flesh. Brokenness  is the spirit of self-denial. It represents true inner transformation. It is also the practice of confronting the self-centered tendencies within, and breaking free from the “I, me, and mine” mindset. Broken Christians can forgive because they live a life surrendered to God. Unforgiveness is a sin unbroken Christians often fall into. It hardens the heart and opens the door to further willful disobedience. God desires Christians with broken, contrite hearts who reflect His grace. Choose to forgive today. Every time you remember, forgive again and experience true freedom.

Prayers

Holy Spirit empty me of self and fill me with your fullness in Jesus name.
Lord Jesus, create in me a new heart and renew the right spirit within me, in the name of Jesus Christ.
I surrender every unbroken area of my life to the holy spirit in Jesus name.

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