Walking in Forgiveness: How Letting Go of Past Hurts Frees Your Soul
881 words, 5 minutes read time.
We all carry scars. Some fade with time, others remain tender reminders of wounds that haven’t fully healed. Maybe someone betrayed your trust, spoke words that pierced deep, or simply wasn’t there when you needed them most. Forgiveness, in these cases, feels impossible—or even unjust. But God’s Word tells us that forgiveness isn’t about excusing the wrong. It’s about choosing freedom over bondage. In today’s devotional, we’ll walk together into the liberating, though often difficult, process of forgiving others and releasing the grip of past hurts.
Scripture:
“Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you.” — Colossians 3:13 (NIV)
Reflection/Teaching:
Colossians 3:13 is both comforting and confronting. It comforts us by reminding us that God has forgiven us freely and fully through Christ. Yet, it also challenges us to do the same for others. Forgiveness isn’t natural; it’s spiritual. In our own strength, we hold onto pain thinking it protects us. But in reality, it only poisons us. As the saying goes, “Holding onto anger is like drinking poison and expecting the other person to die.”
Jesus modeled radical forgiveness. While nailed to the cross—abandoned, mocked, and physically broken—He prayed, “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). If the Savior of the world could extend grace in His darkest hour, how can we, as His followers, withhold it?
This doesn’t mean forgetting the pain or allowing repeated abuse. Forgiveness is not reconciliation; it’s a one-sided spiritual release that hands the offense over to God. As believers, we’re not called to ignore justice, but to trust God with it. Romans 12:19 reminds us, “Do not take revenge…leave room for God’s wrath.”
Many people carry bitterness like a badge of protection. But Hebrews 12:15 warns that a “root of bitterness” can grow and defile many. When we harbor unforgiveness, we block the flow of God’s peace, joy, and love in our lives. We essentially give power to those who hurt us, allowing them to influence our thoughts, decisions, and even relationships. Walking in forgiveness is about reclaiming that power by surrendering the pain to God.
Letting go is a journey. It’s okay if it takes time. Some wounds require daily surrender. But with each step, we become more like Christ—freer, lighter, and more available to love others with open hands and an open heart.
Application:
Are you holding onto pain that God is asking you to release today? Take a moment to identify a name, a face, or a memory that still stings. Instead of stuffing it down or pretending it’s gone, bring it into the light of Christ’s love. Say the person’s name out loud and choose to forgive—not because they deserve it, but because you want to walk in freedom.
Consider journaling your feelings, speaking with a trusted Christian counselor, or praying with a friend. Set healthy boundaries if needed, but keep your heart tender before God. Forgiveness may start with a decision, but it grows as a process.
Today, choose freedom over fury, peace over pain, healing over hatred. You may not feel ready—but you can take the first step. Trust that God will carry you the rest of the way.
Prayer:
Father, I come before You with the weight of wounds I’ve carried for too long. You see the pain. You know the names, the moments, the scars. Today, I surrender them to You. Teach me to forgive as You have forgiven me. I release the bitterness and ask You to fill my heart with Your peace. Heal what is broken, restore what has been lost, and help me walk forward in grace. I trust You with justice. I trust You with healing. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Closing Thoughts / Call to Action:
Forgiveness is the key that unlocks the door to peace. It may not change your past, but it can radically transform your future. Let today be the start of a new chapter—one marked by grace, not grudges.
If this message spoke to your heart, we invite you to stay connected. Subscribe to our newsletter for weekly devotionals, encouragement, and biblical wisdom to support your walk with Christ. You’re not alone—let’s grow in grace together.
D. Bryan King
Sources
- Bible Verses on Forgiveness and Letting Go of Hurts
- Bible Verses About Letting Go of Hurt
- 30+ Bible Verses About Forgiveness
- 21 Bible Verses for Letting Go
- Forgiveness – Letting Go of the Hurt
- Are You Stuck in the Past? The First Step to Letting Go and Processing Pain with God
- Forgiveness: Healing the Hurt We Never Deserved
- Walking in Forgiveness
- Learning to Walk in Forgiveness
- Forgiving a Deep Hurt
- 10 Quotes To Ponder When Letting Go of the Past
- 5 Ways to Leave Past Hurts Behind as You Enter the New Year
- Forgiving Someone Who Hurt You Deeply
- The Poison of Unforgiveness
- Daily Devotional: The Freedom of Forgiveness
- Matthew 6:14–15
Disclaimer:
The views and opinions expressed in this post are solely those of the author. The information provided is based on personal research, experience, and understanding of the subject matter at the time of writing. Readers should consult relevant experts or authorities for specific guidance related to their unique situations.
Related Posts
- The Power of Forgiveness in Strengthening Your Faith Date June 12, 2024
- Healing After Hurt: How God Restores What Life Breaks Date May 17, 2025
- Still You Call Me to Love Date April 29, 2025
#BibleHelpForPain #BibleVersesOnForgiveness #biblicalTruth #bitternessAndHealing #ChristianBlog #ChristianEncouragement #ChristianForgiveness #ChristianLiving #ChristianMeditation #ChristianPeace #ChristianRecovery #ChristianRestoration #Colossians313 #dailyDevotional #dailyEncouragement #devotionOnForgiveness #devotionalContent #devotionalsThatHeal #emotionalFreedom #emotionalHealing #faithAndForgiveness #faithJourney #faithBasedHealing #forgiveAndLetGo #forgiveLikeJesus #forgiveToHeal #forgivenessDevotional #forgivenessPrayer #forgivingBetrayal #forgivingOthers #GodRestores #GodSLove #graceAndMercy #graceFilledLife #healingBrokenHearts #healingFromPastWounds #healingPain #hopeAndHealing #hopeForTheHurting #howToForgive #howToReleaseAnger #hurtAndHealing #inspirationalChristianContent #JesusAndForgiveness #JesusHealsHearts #lettingGoOfHurt #lettingGoThroughChrist #overcomeHurt #peaceInChrist #relationshipWithChrist #releasingResentment #rootOfBitterness #SpiritualGrowth #spiritualHealing #spiritualMaturity #trustGodWithPain #truthAndGrace #walkInFreedom #walkingInForgiveness
![" ... whereas he [Dives] should have taken from his dogs to bestow upon Lazarus, he took from Lazarus to bestow upon his dogs, who fared the better by sucking his blood and licking his sores.."](https://files.mastodon.social/media_attachments/files/113/287/903/404/231/812/original/a5e5ea2441c0121b.png)
