Biblical Answer

Forgiveness is a Process

Forgiveness is not an easy process, especially when it comes to forgiving someone who has hurt us deeply, such as an abuser. It requires a willingness to let go of the pain and anger that we have been holding onto. According to the Bible, forgiveness is not something that we can do on our own, but rather it is a gift that God gives us (Matthew 6:14-15). Jesus taught us to forgive others as we have been forgiven by God (Matthew 6:14-15). Forgiveness does not mean that the hurt or abuse never happened, but rather it means that we choose not to let it define us or control our lives.

Praying for the Abuser

Praying for the person who hurt us can be a powerful way to begin the process of forgiveness. When we pray for the person who hurt us, we are not condoning their behavior, but rather we are choosing to release the anger and bitterness that we have been holding onto. Praying for the abuser can help us to see them in a different light and to understand that they are a human being who is capable of change. It can also help us to see the good in them and to remember the positive aspects of our relationship. As the Bible says, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). This does not mean that we have to like the person or that we have to forgive them immediately, but rather it means that we are choosing to love them and to pray for their well-being.

A Gift of Forgiveness

Forgiveness is a gift that we can give to ourselves and to others. When we choose to forgive, we are not only releasing the other person from their debt to us, but we are also releasing ourselves from the burden of anger and bitterness. Forgiveness brings healing and freedom, and it allows us to move forward in our lives. As the Bible says, "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). Forgiveness is not always easy, but it is a process that can bring healing and freedom to our lives. When we choose to forgive, we are choosing to follow the teachings of Jesus and to live a life that is characterized by love, compassion, and understanding.