Biblical Answer

Can forgiveness heal old wounds?

Forgiveness can bring healing to old wounds, but it is not always easy. In fact, forgiveness can be an unnatural act that takes practice to perfect. It is not a sweet platonic ideal that can be easily dispersed in the world, but rather a difficult decision that requires effort and dedication. As the Bible teaches, forgiveness is a gift from one undeserving soul to another, and it is a decision that must be made in the shadow of the cross.

When we forgive someone, our feelings may not automatically follow our decision. In fact, our memories of the hurt or offense may still linger, and it can be tempting to replay the hurt over and over again. However, forgiveness is not about forgetting or erasing our memories, but rather about releasing the hold that the hurt has on us. It is about letting go of the anger, bitterness, and resentment that can consume us and replacing it with peace, love, and compassion. As the Bible teaches, forgiveness is an act of self-defense, a way of stopping the fatal bleeding of resentment and finding healing and restoration.

Forgiveness can be a difficult and ongoing process, especially when the other person is a repeat offender or when we are still hurting. However, forgiveness is not about the other person, but about us and our relationship with God. When we forgive, we are not doing it for the other person, but for ourselves, in order to find healing, peace, and restoration. As the Bible teaches, God's forgiveness allows self-forgiveness, and it is a gift that we can receive and give to others. By forgiving others, we can find healing and restoration, not just for ourselves, but for our relationships with others and with God. Ultimately, forgiveness is a decision that requires effort and dedication, but it is a decision that can bring healing and restoration to old wounds.