MASS CHOIR - Conductor Nathaniel Oswald Maben
Forgiveness is difficult—but it is powerful.
When we hold onto anger and resentment, it weighs us down. When we forgive, we begin to move forward with compassion, clarity, and freedom.
Forgiveness is not about ignoring what happened—it is about choosing not to carry it any longer.
Many people who go through deep suffering—such as serious illness—come out of it with greater compassion for others. Pain has a way of changing perspective. It helps us understand what it feels like to be hurt.
We have all experienced a sense of injury—whether emotional, physical, or psychological. Because of that, we can relate to others who have been wronged.
But that same sense of injury can also lead to resentment if we are not careful.
When we are wronged, our thoughts can quickly turn negative.
The more we dwell on the offense, the more resentment grows.
That resentment can turn into:
Others then respond מתוך their own hurt—and the cycle continues.
Hurt → Reaction → More Hurt
Forgiveness breaks that cycle.
The Bible teaches us to put away anger and treat others with kindness and mercy:
“Let all bitterness, and wrath, and anger, and clamour, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice:
And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you.”
—Ephesians 4:31–32 (KJV)
Forgiveness is not based on feelings—it is a choice.
We act first by choosing not to hold the offense against someone, and over time, our emotions often follow.
Jesus also teaches that forgiveness should be ongoing:
“I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.”
—Matthew 18:22 (KJV)
Unforgiveness can be thought of like a cage.
Each bar is built from:
The longer we hold onto these things, the more trapped we become.
That cage limits:
Forgiveness is how we tear that cage down—one bar at a time.
Forgiveness is not always easy. Some wounds are deep and take time, prayer, and reflection.
But holding onto bitterness only causes more harm within us and can lead to further sin in our words and actions.
It’s important to understand:
Forgiveness does not always mean restoring a relationship.
There are times when setting boundaries—or even stepping away—is necessary. The Bible teaches us to use wisdom in our relationships:
“A man that is an heretick after the first and second admonition reject.”
—Titus 3:10 (KJV)
“Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away.”
—2 Timothy 3:5 (KJV)
You can forgive someone and still choose not to continue in a harmful relationship.
Forgiveness means:
You do not need:
Waiting for those things can keep you stuck.
Instead, forgive—and leave the matter in God’s hands.
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.”
—Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
God is able to heal what has been broken. When we forgive, we open the door for that healing in our lives.
Forgiveness frees you.
It releases you from resentment, restores your focus, and allows you to move forward in faith.
Let go of the hurt.
Trust God with the outcome.
And continue walking in the way of Christ