Forgiveness is a huge theme in the Bible. It’s something everyone needs at some point in life. No one goes through life without being hurt or needing to forgive someone else. But what exactly is forgiveness Pastor Geoff Woodward, from Metro Church, describes it as a gift—something we give that actually helps us. It’s not just for the person we forgive. It’s also for our own well-being.
How the World Sees Forgiveness vs. How Jesus Taught It
There’s a big difference between how the world sees forgiveness and how Jesus taught it. Some people think forgiveness is an optional, noble act—something you do if you feel like being a good person. But Jesus treated it as essential for life, not just for faith.
He spoke about forgiveness often and emphasised that it’s not about waiting until we feel ready. It’s a choice. That’s a key point many people miss. Forgiveness is not a feeling—it’s a decision.
Forgiving Even When It’s Hard
Choosing to forgive doesn’t mean we instantly feel better. Sometimes, we forgive even when we don’t feel kind, generous, or noble. We do it because if we don’t, the pain, resentment, and hurt can take over our lives.
But how do we move past the feelings of hurt? Pastor Jeff compares it to learning to drive. The first time behind the wheel, it’s overwhelming. But over time, we get used to it. Forgiveness works the same way. At first, it feels difficult. But the more we practice it, the more natural it becomes.
Does Forgiveness Mean Everything Goes Back to Normal?
A big misconception is that forgiving someone means returning to the way things were before. That’s not always the case. Forgiveness doesn’t mean being gullible. If someone has hurt us deeply, we may need boundaries before rebuilding the relationship.
Some people think, “If I forgive, that means we’re best friends again.” But that’s not true. Forgiveness is about letting go of resentment, not necessarily granting someone unlimited access to our lives. In some cases, we may need to set boundaries to protect ourselves.
Letting Go of Resentment
Holding onto resentment is like carrying around a heavy bag of garbage for years. It doesn’t help us—it just weighs us down. Forgiveness allows us to release that burden and move forward.
That doesn’t mean there aren’t consequences. If someone broke our trust, we might still need time and changes before restoring the relationship. But forgiveness frees us from bitterness and helps us heal.
Final Thoughts
Forgiveness isn’t always easy, but it’s necessary. It’s not about pretending nothing happened. It’s about choosing to let go of pain so it doesn’t control us. And sometimes, it means setting boundaries while still moving forward.