Psychologists generally define forgiveness as a conscious, deliberate decision to release feelings of resentment or vengeance toward a person or group who has harmed you, regardless of whether they actually deserve your forgiveness.
We must also note that we may actually resent ourselves for what we feel we may have done wrong.
Forgiveness is a fundamental aspect of Christian faith. In both the Old and New Testaments, God is portrayed as merciful and forgiving, encouraging believers to seek forgiveness and extend it to others as seen in our Lord’s prayer.
Unforgiveness, anger and bitterness go hand in hand. It not only hinders us spiritually, but it has been scientifically proven that unforgiveness can sometimes lead to serious health challenges.
All of us need forgiveness. We offend God. We offend others. Others offend us. We offend ourselves.
PRAYER POINTS
- Seeking God’s Forgiveness
Ask God for mercy, genuine repentance, cleansing, and the grace to turn away from sin and walk in righteousness.
Scriptures:
“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (KJV)
“And Peter said unto them, Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins, and ye shall receive the gift of the Holy Ghost.” Acts 2:38 (KJV)
“For all have sinned, and come short of the glory of God.” Romans 3:23 (KJV)
- Seeking Forgiveness From Others
Ask God for humility, honesty, and the courage to make peace with those you have offended, so that your walk with God is not hindered.
Scriptures:
“Therefore if thou bring thy gift to the altar, and there rememberest that thy brother hath ought against thee; Leave there thy gift before the altar, and go thy way; first be reconciled to thy brother, and then come and offer thy gift.” Matthew 5:23–24 (KJV)
“But the Comforter, which is the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.” John 14:26 (KJV)
“Let us therefore follow after the things which make for peace, and things wherewith one may edify another.” Romans 14:19 (KJV)
- Forgiveness of Others
Ask God for grace to forgive fully, to release offenses, and to forgive as Christ forgave you.
Scriptures:
“Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do ye.” Colossians 3:13 (KJV)
“Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times? Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.” Matthew 18:21–22 (KJV)
“And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” Matthew 6:12 (KJV)
- Wisdom to Forgive Without Reopening Wounds
Ask the Holy Spirit for wisdom, discernment, and strength to maintain forgiveness while walking in safety, boundaries, and godly wisdom.
Scriptures:
“He healeth the broken in heart, and bindeth up their wounds.” Psalm 147:3 (KJV)
“Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life.” Proverbs 4:23 (KJV)
“A prudent man foreseeth the evil, and hideth himself: but the simple pass on, and are punished.” Proverbs 22:3 (KJV)
- Prayer For Self-Forgiveness
Ask God for grace to release self-condemnation, receive His mercy fully, and forgive yourself as He has forgiven you.
Scriptures:
“As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.” Psalm 103:12 (KJV)
“He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.” Psalm 103:10 (KJV)
“There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.” Romans 8:1 (KJV)
PRAYER
Father, thank You for Your mercy and forgiveness. I repent of every sin and every way I have fallen short. Cleanse me and restore me to the paths of righteousness. Give me humility and courage to seek forgiveness from those I have offended, and help me to walk in peace and sincerity.
Lord, grant me grace to forgive those who have hurt me. Deliver me from unforgiveness, bitterness, resentment, and anger. Teach me to release offenses completely, and to forgive as You have forgiven me. Holy Spirit, give me wisdom to forgive without returning to harmful patterns, and show me how to walk in love with discernment.
Father, I also receive grace to forgive myself. I reject condemnation and shame, and I embrace Your healing and restoration. Thank You for a new heart, a new beginning, and freedom in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
REFLECTION
• Who do I need to forgive genuinely and completely
• Who do I need to seek forgiveness from without delay
• What areas of self-condemnation do I need to release to God today
Today, choose forgiveness over bitterness, freedom over resentment, and healing over offense.esence over isolation.