Forgiveness doesn’t mean forgetting—or pretending it didn’t hurt. If you’ve been wounded deeply, this article explores a faith-based path to real healing and freedom through Christ.

If you reconcile, it is wise to guard yourself. It is important to take the relationship through a process of building trust to restore the relationship, just as Joseph did with his brothers. It is important to consider boundaries or ways to protect ourselves when we continue with the relationships.

Forgiveness is something that is between you and God, the offender has nothing to do with it. If the conversation calls for it, the person asks forgiveness or seeks to mend the relationship, it might be the right time to say that you have forgiven or do forgive someone.

It comes down to reconciliation as a choice, not a must. It would seem to be easier to reconcile if the person is repentant. But in all honesty, it is not always as easy as a ‘choice’.

TRUTH: Forgiveness is a free gift that helps me heal, and actually does nothing for the offender.

Forgiveness is not a miracle; it miraculously works in us. But the decision to forgive does not immediately alter everything.

With forgiveness, we do not forget, but the memories no longer trigger pain and no longer control our actions. With forgiveness, we are cut free from the pain.

Whatever the person did, big or small, it is NOT okay that they did it. It might be that everything is okay between him/her and me, but that does not make what they did ok. So, let’s stop saying ‘it’s ok’ in response to an apology or request for forgiveness. How do we respond to ‘I’m sorry’, then? Here’s how to open the conversation

It is a common thing to hear, or think, ‘She deserves punishment, so I’m not going to forgive until she has paid.’ With forgiveness, God steps in to hold the hook on the offender.

Alive Again is coming soon! I wanted to give you some information about the book and invite you to join the Advance Reader-Reviewer Group.

It is our choice to give up the hard knots of pain and anger and fear. God is big enough and strong enough to not only carry all of these things for us, but He is also more than sufficient to address these issues and release us from them. Forgiveness is an incredible trait of God, freeing us for an abundant life.

When we walk in these broken relationships in a broken world, these can be the words that lend us hope. How do I go on when he or she won’t change? How do I go on when they won’t repent?

Reconciliation is possible, with time and patience. We are fallible humans who need grace in relationships. How can I protect myself when I reconcile with someone?

There is an ache in the lack of reconciliation, because we were made to love. We were made for fellowship. I don’t think I can reconcile, do I have to? What does the Bible say about reconciliation?

This is the life of a Christian. Forgiveness is just part of it. A hard part, but the person we are becoming is worth it. How can I forgive myself for what I have done? Following a model in the Bible for forgiving ourselves.

Regret is a wakeup call to take it to God, accept forgiveness and consequences, then worship and go forth with a change of heart.

In time, God has taken those feelings inflicted by others and erased them. Forgiveness led to changes in me: in my relationships, in my responses to slights. Forgiving past hurts will free us for a better present, an abundant life.

We struggle to believe that God will act and act swiftly because we are surrounded by a world that seems to thrive on evil, and no punishment is in sight. So, how do I overcome the desire for revenge? What the Bible says about revenge.

What popular culture like The Devil Wears Prada teaches us about forgiveness. Also known as ‘Withholding forgiveness - Part 2’ But this intro and title just sound better :-)

Forgiveness is NOT forgetting the offense. Forgiveness is NOT reconciliation. Forgiveness does NOT excuse the offense.

What do you think of the definition of forgiveness according to the Bible? What have I left out? What needs to be included?

The king grants his freedom! Just as the son was given the whole estate. God understands how hard forgiveness is, yet he lavishes it on his children. the Parable of the Lavish King from Matthew 18:23-35

Most of us know the story of the Prodigal Son found in Luke 15. It is interesting that the son is labeled prodigal – for the meaning is like a two-sided coin. The Prodigal Son and the Lavish Father are two sides of one coin.

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