Embracing Forgiveness: Finding Healing and Freedom Through Surrender

Photo by Me Ra Koh

Forgiveness. Can this really be achieved?

I’m convinced it cannot be done without divine intervention and a willingness to bow a knee in surrender. Forgiveness requires grace and humility, remembering that I, too, have caused harm in my life. It asks for open hands, releasing someone from the wrong they have done.

Forgiveness is not “forgive and forget,” nor is it sweeping pain under the rug to create the appearance of harmony. It is not pretending peace exists when the real work has not yet been done.

Forgiveness does not mean reconciliation, nor does it require that trust be immediately rebuilt. It is an act of surrender. It acknowledges the bruises of battle while choosing a new garment in order to move forward.

Forgiveness may be one of the most fragile places you will ever walk, and one of the most freeing. It is the moment you say, “They owe me nothing.” It is the release of the tally sheet, the end of scorekeeping, and the decision to take God’s hand and allow Him to walk you through.

Forgiveness is learned hopefulness, not helplessness.